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With that loss, the Canadiens best scenario rank in the standings will result in them keeping their 1st round pick and transferring the Carolina pick they got from the unmatched Kotkaniemi offer sheet to the Coyotes as a result of the Dvorak trade. The Habs will still have 2 first-round picks thanks to the February 14th trade that sent Tyler Toffoli to Calgary. That one should be a very late pick though since the Flames are having a great season.
As for the game, Montembeault had another solid outing yesterday facing 34 shots and stopping 31, the Jets’ 4th goal was an empty netter. I feel I’ve said it often this season, but he would have deserved better, still he was understandably thrilled to hear the Bell Centre crowd chant his name in the middle frame when he made quite a few spectacular saves. It’s weird to think that by the end of the season, he will have been the goaltender to man the Canadiens’ net for most of the season, who would have thought that was possible at the start of the year? It will be interesting to see if the Canadiens decide to offer him a contract for next season, I believe they should no sense in keeping 2 expensive goaltenders when you’re not expected to contend next season. The Canadiens just announced that Jake Allen has a groin injury and will be out for the remainder of the season.
On se remettra jamais de cet arrêt.
— Canadiens Montréal (@CanadiensMTL) April 12, 2022
Can't get over this stop.#GoHabsGo pic.twitter.com/XD4G2X8eYc
Joel Armia and Josh Anderson were the only players to score on Connor Hellebuyck who had a relatively easy night facing only 25 shots, most of which weren’t very threatening. Christian Dvorak also had a pretty good night, winning 66% of his face-offs, but he’ll need to perform more consistently if he’s to be a lock as the team’s second center next season. Anderson’s goal was the 100th of his career in case you’re wondering why Joel Edmundson went to collect the puck in the Jets’ net.
Moment idéal pour marquer son 100e dans la LNH!
— Canadiens Montréal (@CanadiensMTL) April 12, 2022
100th NHL goal for Josh!#GoHabsGo pic.twitter.com/3SzIisFgBn
The Caufield-Suzuki-Pitlick experiment looks to be over, as the line had a tough time at even strength with a -2 rating which prompted St-Louis to put Anderson back on the first line with the kids which lead to him scoring. That’s something that will also need to be fixed prior to next year, finding a permanent linemate for Caufield and Suzuki.
After the game, Justin Barron was seen wearing an orthopedic walking booth, I dare say this makes a return before the end of the season doubtful to say the least. Shame really, but Habs fans will have to wait for training camp to see who makes this new look younger blue line. Barron, Harris, Guhle…the future is bright for this more mobile defense corps in the making. The Canadiens just announced that Barron has an ankle injury that will keep him out of action for the rest of the season, but he will not need an operation. As for Emil Heineman, he’s now in town being evaluated by team medical staff and treated for an upper-body injury he suffered in Sweden, there’s no timetable as to when he could possibly play yet.
Tomorrow, the Canadiens will face the Blue Jackets in Columbus before coming back to Montreal for a back-to-back against the Islanders and the Capitals on Friday and Saturday.