Here’s a bold statement: the seemingly invincible Colorado Avalanche, one of the most dominant regular-season teams of the century, just got humbled—and in spectacular fashion. But here’s where it gets controversial: Was it a momentary lapse for Colorado, or is there something deeper brewing in Montreal’s playbook? Let’s dive in.
The Avalanche, with a staggering record of just seven losses in over 50 games, are a force to be reckoned with. In today’s salary-cap era, their success is nothing short of remarkable. Yet, the Montreal Canadiens, sitting eighth in the league, had other plans. They didn’t just beat Colorado—they routed them 7-3, tying their season-high goal count in a single game. And this is the part most people miss: It wasn’t just about scoring goals; it was about the creativity behind them.
Take Nick Suzuki’s first goal, for instance. Ivan Demidov’s calculated shot was designed to hit Scott Wedgewood’s pads, leaving Suzuki with an easy rebound to slam home. Genius, right? But it didn’t stop there. Suzuki’s second goal—a shorthanded beauty—came after Oliver Kapanen’s clever flip pass, which Suzuki chased down and finished with a clean deke. Thought-provoking question: Is Suzuki’s success a product of his skill, or is it the result of Montreal’s innovative playmaking?
The creativity didn’t end with Suzuki. Lane Hutson’s fake shot and pass to Noah Dobson for a slap shot showcased Montreal’s ability to think outside the box. Bold interpretation: Hutson might just be the best puck distributor in the world as a defenseman—a claim that’s sure to spark debate among Cale Makar fans. Pairing him with Dobson, Montreal’s top shooter, was a masterstroke, both offensively and defensively.
Kirby Dach’s goal in the second period was another highlight. His bank shot off Wedgewood’s skate demonstrated not just skill, but a deep understanding of the game. Controversial take: Dach’s moments of brilliance are tantalizing, but his injury history raises questions about his long-term impact. Can he sustain this level of play?
Alexandre Carrier’s goal was a thing of beauty—a sprint from his own zone to join Suzuki on an odd-man rush, culminating in a perfect pass and a top-shelf finish. Retention hook: Hockey, at its core, is about moments like these—moments that remind us why we love the game.
Even Juraj Slafkovsky’s 20th goal of the season, tying his career high, was a testament to Montreal’s breakout year. Teaser: But not everything is rosy in Montreal. Their goaltending has been abysmal, ranking 26th out of 32 teams. Samuel Montembeault’s collapse from a .902 save percentage last season to .868 this year is baffling. Controversy alert: Was firing goalie coach Eric Raymond the right move, or is this a deeper systemic issue?
The Canadiens’ success this season hinges on solving their goaltending woes. With Jakub Dobes showing promise and Fowler waiting in the wings, the pieces are there. Final thought-provoking question: Can Montreal turn their season around, or will their goaltending be their undoing? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments—agree or disagree, the debate is wide open.
