The Montreal Canadiens played 60 minutes of listless hockey on Saturday night, shut out by the Carolina Hurricanes in the process. One for the tank, it decidedly was, but a paltry 14 shots on goal to Carolina’s 50(!!) made for an incredibly difficult viewing experience, even for those who most wanted it to end up in the loss column.
Did anyone else grow up with a hockey coach who would bag skate you the day after a game with less than 20 shots? As pointless as it may be at this late stage of the year, I wonder if the Habs should expect a practice with no pucks tomorrow after that performance…
The good
Samuel Montembeault. That’s it. He’s literally the only 0nly reason that game didn’t end up as a 9-0 laugher. He stared down 50 shots, and the only ones that beat him were of the variety that even the best NHL goaltenders would probably let in. Carey Price in his prime wasn’t saving the Habs in this one, and Montembeault did his best to keep the score respectable.
This game should be like 8-0, but Samuel Montembeault is a G. pic.twitter.com/4UHC7Q4Tup
— Matt Drake (@DrakeMT) April 2, 2023
Outside of the Habs game, the Buffalo Sabres were able to earn a win over the Philadelphia Flyers, which is good news for the Florida pick. It keeps Buffalo in Florida’s rearview mirror, and with Pittsburgh losing again, the Habs need more challengers to be there in the stretch run. All threats to Florida are good news for the Habs at this stage of the season.
The bad
Everyone other than Samuel Montembeault. They had a few moments in the game, but it was an overall cakewalk for the Canes, and I’m back to wondering if there is a bag skate in order for the Habs during their two days off. Nothing too crazy, but just a reminder that 14 shots on goal is bad, and that they should feel bad about it.
Also, Florida won, which is far more problematic than when they do it against the Canadiens. I’d love to watch a game where Florida only gets 14 shots on goal, that sounds like something I could really sit down with a bowl of popcorn and thoroughly enjoy.
Lottery movement
Nothing to report, fortunately. Even if the Arizona Coyotes lose tonight, they can’t overtake the Habs for fifth-last thanks to the Habs’ own loss. I guess there is a silver lining in only shooting 14 times after all.
Tank score
5/10
A Habs loss, as tough as it was to sit through, is worth at least 50% here. I’d go higher if, and only if, the Panthers lost.
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