In the first of four duels against the Detroit Red Wings this season, the Montreal Canadiens didn’t play a perfect game last night, but they won the game, overcoming difficulties and with a supporting cast that shone brightly in the 4-3 win.
Tonight, in the second part of their back-to-back series with the Wings, the Canadiens will try to win a third game in a row for the first time this season. Yesterday, Martin St-Louis wouldn’t confirm who would be in net tonight and one can wonder if Cayden Primeau will finally get the nod or if Samuel Montembeault will be starting a ninth game in a row despite the back-to-back.
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The last time the 25-year-old got the net was in Boston on Dec. 1. He allowed five goals on 29 shots for a .828 save percentage and his performance did nothing to heal his shaky confidence. Primeau has played Detroit three times in his career and has a 1-1-1 record with a 3.49 goals-against average and a .878 save percentage. After last night, Montembeault’s record when facing the Michigan outfit is 2-0-2 with a 3.18 GAA and a .889 SP.
With Cam Talbot returning to action last night, Ville Husso was returned to Grand Rapids in the AHL, meaning that Alex Lyon is Derek Lalonde’s other option. Considering Talbot just got over a lower-body injury, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Lyon mind the net. The backup has taken on the Habs five times and is 4-1-0 with a 2.78 GAA and a .895 SP. Not bad statistics but Talbot’s record against Montreal is better, in 12 games he’s 8-3-1, with a 1.58 GAA and a .941 SP.
After last night’s win, Cole Caufield will be looking to extend his point-streak to five games, in his last four contest he has five points, all assists. As for rookie blueliner Lane Hutson he’s riding a three-game point streak with a goal and three assists in the last three matches. As for the game-winner scorer, Patrik Laine has 19 points in 21 games against the Wings, second only to Brendan Gallagher’s 28 points in 34 games.
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Meanwhile, on the other side, Patrick Kane has 22 points in 25 games against Montreal, Dylan Larkin is second with 19 points in 31 games and Alex DeBrincat completes the top three with 18 points in 16 games.
Tonight’s game will be the 610th between the two original six teams and the Canadiens have a 295-209-96-9 record. After Montreal’s win last night, the Habs now trail the Wings by a single point in the standings. The game is set for 7:00 PM and tonight, the Habs will be celebrating Christmas at the Bell Centre, expect the arena to be decorated with festive colours and Youppi! to wear his Santa costume.
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