With one recreation remaining, residence ice benefit for the Montreal Canadiens within the first spherical towards the Tampa Bay Lightning was nonetheless on the road, however it wasn’t the first concern of the pinnacle coach. Martin St. Louis rested Mike Matheson, Josh Anderson and Phillip Danault, so they might higher heal what’s ailing them.
The Philadelphia Flyers wrapped up a playoff spot on Monday night time, so that they had their very own motivational points as effectively. The Canadiens had been sloppy and nonchalant in a 4-2 loss.
Wilde Horses
This one didn’t matter a lot to too many.
Three gamers would have favored to hit new marks. Cole Caufield wished to catch Nathan MacKinnon for the purpose scoring lead, however he didn’t, ending the season at 51.
Lane Hutson wished to cross Larry Robinson for many assists in a season, however he remained tied at 66.
Ivan Demidov wished to depend a twentieth purpose, however he completed at 19.
Different gamers wished to solidify their standing. Brendan Gallagher wished to indicate with some relaxation that he will be robust nonetheless, and he did with the Canadiens tally within the second interval. Gallagher additionally was in on the second purpose by Jake Evans inflicting havoc in entrance of the online. Gallagher probably earned a spot in recreation one.
Some defencemen wished to indicate they belonged. Kaiden Guhle and Adam Engstrom had a 62 Anticipated Objectives share. David Reinbacher and Hutson had a 69 share. There was numerous youth on the blue line for the ultimate recreation, so these are some robust numbers. That’s a second straight recreation for Reinbacher with robust analytics.
Wilde Goats
Within the first interval, Porter Martone scored for the Flyers. It was solely his ninth recreation within the NHL after enjoying the season at Michigan State, and he has 9 factors already on 4 targets. He’s clearly prepared for the NHL. He was on the identical staff as Michael Hage on the World Juniors, although Hage was higher on the event.
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Hage and Martone had been each within the Massive 10 final season. Each had glorious years. Martone had 50 factors. Hage was fourth within the nation in factors with 52 at Michigan. Martone determined to show professional. Hage determined to return to varsity for a 3rd season.
Hage didn’t really feel he was prepared, and that’s his opinion of himself. All he has to do is evaluate himself to Martone to know that he didn’t give himself sufficient credit score for being prepared for the subsequent step. Martone was drafted in 2025. Hage was drafted in 2024.
It’s uncommon that gamers excelling for 2 straight years in faculty select a 3rd 12 months in school. Hage says he needs to enhance his muscle mass and develop into a greater chief. This appears like an individual who doesn’t have the religion in himself to match his expertise. Normal Supervisor Kent Hughes stated they’d have been open to any situation that Hage wished.
Hage can change his thoughts. Deciding on Michigan on April 11 will not be a contract in September. He ought to. He’s prepared to listen to new coaches, and he’s able to be taught from professionals like Martin St. Louis. Logan Cooley modified his thoughts simply earlier than the season, and Hage is among the most proficient prospects in all of hockey. He can present it proper now as an NHLer — like Martone.
This was a nothing recreation to the Canadiens, and although there have been some who struggled, it’s not a major story in a recreation that didn’t matter, so no goats.
Wilde Playing cards
A preferred adage within the playoffs is “your greatest gamers should be your greatest gamers”.
If the Canadiens’ greatest gamers are their greatest gamers, there can be success within the playoffs, as a result of the Canadiens greatest are among the many greatest.
The NHL’s greatest goaltender within the final 20 video games is Jakub Dobes. He has a Objectives Saved Above Anticipated of 21.2. He’s miles forward of Justus Annunen, the second greatest with a 16.1. Third is Alex Lyon of the Sabres with a 14.5. In web, the Canadiens are second to nobody.
On defence, the Canadiens additionally supply elite on the prime with Lane Hutson top-three within the league in factors.
All of it quantities to spectacular excellence in purpose and on the blue line, however it’s the prime line who present the numbers that impress essentially the most.
The targets should proceed to be scored, so the stress is on the highest line to evolve within the post-season. They didn’t excel within the playoffs towards Washington, so they need to determine it out towards Tampa Bay this season.
The highest line is on fireplace with 35 targets within the final 21 video games. That is an unequalled complete of 140 targets pro-rated. Over the season, Cole Caufield, Nick Suzuki and Juraj Slafkovsky have 110 targets as a line.
Right here’s how that compares to the league’s greatest: Nathan MacKinnon, Martin Necas and Artturi Lehkonen even have 110 targets. Mark Scheifele, Kyle Connor and Gabe Vilardi have 103 targets. Brandon Hagel, Brayden Level and Nikita Kucherov have 98 targets.
The Suzuki line is the perfect line within the league this season. It’s tough to imagine for Canadiens followers, however the ahead’s totals are greatest, the goalie has been greatest within the final 20, and so they have a top-five defender.
The perfect gamers should be the perfect gamers. Look ahead to it.
Brian Wilde, a Montreal-based sports activities author, brings you Call of the Wilde on globalnews.ca after every Canadiens recreation.
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