The Hollywood ending could barely have been scripted any better for Shea Weber and Alexander Radulov’s return to Nashville as they led the Montreal Canadiens to a 2-1 overtime win over the Predators on Tuesday night. Weber received a hero’s welcome back in Smashville while Radulov relished playing the role of the villain as he was booed each and every time he touched the puck. It was the fourth straight game that the Canadiens have gone to overtime on the road and they are an even five hundred having won two and loss two. Perhaps most importantly, they are finding ways to play hard and earn points during a difficult stretch of the season without important players such as the injured Alex Galchenyuk, Andrei Markov and Andrew Shaw.
The Canadiens outplayed the Predators for much of the game, holding them to just seven shots in each period and only two in extra time. Pekka Rinne was particularly brilliant as he kept the Predators in the game, stopping 41 shots by the time the game ended. Price was determined to match him save for save as it was evident that he truly wanted to win the game for Weber.
Kevin Fiala opened the scoring in the final minute of the second period as he outworked Nathan Beaulieu to get a shot off that became a knuckleballer as it glanced off of Beaulieu’s stick and beat Carey Price. In the third period the Canadiens would answer back when Radulov fed Weber a perfect pass as he worsted one by his good friend Pekka Rinne. In overtime, Radulov would again be the hero as he was strong on the puck behind the Predators net and patiently waited for Pacioretty to get open before sending another beautiful pass over for the winner. Pacioretty made no mistake about it as he scored his 16th goal of the season and fifth game winning goal of 2016-2017.
Puck props and flops:
Props:
Shea Weber - To say that it was a game just like any other would have been a lie. Weber openly admitted that his homecoming to Nashville would mean more but the two points on the line was always his focus. It was no coincidence that this was Weber’s best game in awhile, and that is not a knock on the defenseman who has been very, very good for the Canadiens. It was the most involved that he has been in quite some time in the Canadiens opponents zone. Weber had an extra jump in his game and was determined to do whatever was necessary to ensure that the Canadiens would walk out of the arena with the win. His pure glee in scoring the game tying goal was as much about getting the Canadiens on the board as it was doing it in his former barn. Post game, he let down his shield and unveiled a sense of humor that was previously unknown as he suggested that Canadiens fans should boo Radulov at home to inspire the forward.
Here's the side-by-side view of the tribute video and Shea Weber watching it. https://t.co/IOOXOOWucl
— Adam Vingan (@AdamVingan) January 4, 2017
Alexander Radulov - It is almost incredulous that Radulov was not selected as one of the game’s three stars considering his hand at setting up both of the Canadiens goals. Either the roar of boos would have been deafening or it would have been so quiet one could hear a pin drop. The narrative of Radulov returning to Nashville got lost in the shuffle of Weber and P.K. Subban but the fans certainly did not forget how betrayed they felt when Radulov bolted back to the KHL for the second time and still blame him for their second round loss to the Arizona Coyotes back in 2012. He has been one of if not general manager Marc Bergevin’s best free agent signing and has become an integral part of the Canadiens. His skill level is matched only by Alex Galchenyuk and there is no one better than him at protecting the puck along the boards and finding the open man. His goal celebrations have become legendary but not for his own goals scored. Rather he exudes pure joy when a teammate scores, be it on the ice or even the bench. It is past January first. How long will it take for discussions about a new contract to begin between his agent and Bergevin?
Alex Radulov goal celebrations might be the best part of the NHL at the moment. pic.twitter.com/IoRE42At6A
— Marc Dumont (@MarcPDumont) January 4, 2017
Carey Price - Also lost in the shuffle heading into the game against Nashville was that Price was on a personal three game losing streak. He had allowed four goals each in two games in a row and there were concerns as to if the netminder was truly healthy. Against the Predators he only faced 23 shots but Price was called upon to make some very big saves to keep the game close. There was little doubt that he was going to do his part to ensure that his good friend Shea Weber would have the opportunity to win against his former team and he came with a vintage Price performance.
This pad save by Price shows why he's so hard to score on. He's coming across a long way, and stretching, but seals ice perfectly. pic.twitter.com/OXfrmN0NnV
— InGoal Magazine (@InGoalMedia) January 4, 2017
Michael McCarron - The second year forward only played 7:57 minutes against the Predators but he was very effective in that time. He is giving the Canadiens high quality fourth line minutes and has rarely made a mistake. McCarron is no longer getting caught flat footed and does not feel the need to drop the gloves with every challenge. He is proving that with a little more time, he will play a big part in the Canadiens future success.
Michel Therrien - The Canadiens head coach along with his assistants did an excellent job of rolling four lines and ensuring that his defense did not overextend themselves on the front end of a back to back. It is almost surprising that Weber played less than 25 minutes including overtime. In the past the tendency would have been to overplay his top unit no matter what. He is showing a high level of trust in all of his players and they are rewarding their coach with strong performances. Not to mention Therrien took a well advised timeout with five minutes left in the game as the Canadiens were caught icing after a long shift.
Prop & Flop:
Nathan Beaulieu - The Predators game was a perfect example of Beaulieu at his best and worst. When he was on his game he was flying, delivering tape to tape passes and controlling the entry into the Predators zone. On the first powerplay unit he helped stabilize the five man unit, keeping the puck in and distributing the puck. While the powerplay did not score it continues to improve and look better. However, the last five minutes of the second period was particularly tough for Beaulieu. He made poor choices when deciding whether or not to play the man or the puck and was soft on Fiala’s goal. Beaulieu recovered in the third and there may not have been anyone more relieved in the building when Pacioretty scored the game winner in overtime. It was also a sign of trust from Therrien that he continued to play Beaulieu with Petry on the second pairing and gave him time in overtime. A year ago, Beaulieu would have been pinned to the bench. His game has improved by leaps and bounds but consistency remains an issue...
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The Montreal Canadiens continue their road trip immediately with a game this evening against the Dallas Stars. Whether or not it will be an emotional letdown after such an inspired game remains to be seen. Al Montoya will get the start in net.
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