Canadiens Lineup

Tomas Tatar – Phillip Danault – Brendan Gallagher

Jonathan Drouin – Nick Suzuki – Josh Anderson

Tyler Toffoli – Jesperi Kotkaniemi – Corey Perry

Paul Byron – Jake Evans – Artturi Lehkonen

Ben Chiarot – Shea Weber

Joel Edmundson – Jeff Petry

Brett Kulak – Alexander Romanov

Carey Price – Jake Allen

Victor Mete

Ryan Poehling, Michael Frolik, Cale Fleury, Charlie Lindgren

Joel Armia

Game Report

The Habs finished a six-game road trip with a convincing win over the Vancouver Canucks. Montreal were in control for the first forty minutes taking a 2-0 lead. After a strong push by the Canucks in the first few minutes of the third period, Montreal closed out the series on a smart play by Tomas Tatar to set up Brendan Gallagher for the game winner.

Venturing west for a two-week trip to start the season allowed the players to bond, build chemistry and for the coaching staff (and fans) to determine the identity of the new-look Canadiens.

For the first time in the Bergevin-era, the general manager has assembled a team of complementary pieces with depth. One line isn’t going on a particular night and another steps up. One player can’t go and another steps in to contribute.

There is plenty of work yet to do, especially in the defensive zone, but the 2020-21 edition of the Canadiens is off to an encouraging start. Ten points in six road games to start the season for Montreal is nothing to scoff at.

Carey Price was outstanding against the Canucks earning his 350th win, the fifth youngest players to reach that milestone. For a player who is often taken for granted, it was a remarkable achievement.

Tyler Toffoli was the Canadiens most-used forward with 19:27 in ice-time. With an assist in this game, Toffoli recorded seven points in three games in Vancouver.

Corey Perry joined the red hot line with Toffoli and Jesperi Kotkaniemi and didn’t look out of place. Perry scored his first goal of the season in his first game as a Hab.

Finding a way to chip in

Even a player like Joel Edmundson who has had a difficult transition to Montreal found ways to contribute tonight dropping the gloves with Tyler Myers (to atone for the hit on Joel Armia) and scored an empty net goal, his first as a Canadien.

The Canadiens return home to Montreal where they will play their home opener on Thursday against Calgary.

Plus / Minus

▲ Carey Price, Tyler Toffoli, Jeff Petry, Shea Weber, Corey Perry

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