When the Montreal Canadiens rolled into Raleigh to face the Carolina Hurricanes, it didn’t seem they were quite ready for the actual hurricane they rode into. Soundly outplayed at five-on-five, and during special teams play, it was a close game in score only until the third period. The team will likely be very happy to be headed back to Montreal now that their road trip is over, as it had a few bright spots, but not many to speak of on Thursday night.
Except of course for rookie winger Joshua Roy, the only player able to find the back of the net for the Habs.
This one didn’t count, but what an individual effort it was. Many rookies would be content to stay on the outside, and perhaps float a pass into the middle. Roy had none of that, and instead took the middle of the ice with a nice toe drag, putting a quality shot on goal in the process. Following up on his play, he got the goal on the rebound, but unfortunately saw it go uncounted due to Alex Newhook getting a piece of Frederik Anderson on his way through. A highlight-reel goal that just wasn’t meant to be.
Luckily for Roy’s newfound scoring streak, he had one earlier in the game that could not be overturned.
This one required a smidge of luck, as it wasn’t his most potent shot. Still, it was a smart play to put the puck on net through a screen, given the absence of any sort of lane through which he could find one of his linemates. Sometimes the best option is the simplest one, and with his accuracy, a chance from distance is better than forcing a pass or holding on to the puck for too long.
We’re seeing the impact of his hockey sense in nearly every game now. On this road trip alone, he’s been one of the more dependable players night in, and night out. He’s earning more and more trust from the coaching staff, and if he hasn’t yet proven that he’s worthy of a more permanent top-six consideration, he has at the very least shown the coaching staff he’ll be starting in the NHL next season. If this is an audition, it couldn’t be going any better for him.
With his line clicking, even in a very tough game against the Hurricanes, it should be interesting to see what he can do with the post-deadline team. He’s quickly becoming one of their best offensive players, and as the games begin to mean less and less, it stands to reason that he’ll get an even longer leash, and more minutes from the coaching staff.
I’ve said many times this is not a kid you want to sleep on, and those who have are certainly receiving their wake-up call right about now.
Click the play button below to listen to your full Bottom Six Minutes, also available wherever you get your podcasts. It’s the trade deadline today, and we’ll be back with another episode after tomorrow’s showdown with the Toronto Maple Leafs at the Bell Centre.
