by Luca LaPorta, Staff Writer, All Habs Hockey Magazine
After another pre-season loss in Toronto on Monday night, the Montreal Canadiens have now dropped to 0-5 in exhibition action. The Habs were destroyed by a full NHL Maple Leafs roster, 5-1. On the positive side, a few players, still fighting for a roster, spot stood out. On the other hand, a few others have continued to be disappointing. In my opinion, they will be released from camp soon.
With only three games remaining on the pre-season schedule, Claude Julien and his staff still have some tough decisions to make. The line-up chosen in Toronto on Monday night was the most NHL-heavy lineup we’ve seen from the Habs throughout the pre-season, with only the absences of Jonathan Drouin, Carey Price, David Schlemko and Andrew Shaw.
There were also a few players fighting for a spot in the lineup on Monday, including Jacob De La Rose, Byron Froese, Brandon Davidson, Victor Mete and Charles Hudon. Realistically, there are only a few spots up for grabs in the opening night lineup. With the emergence of Hudon this pre-season, the forward lines look to be set in stone for the opening night tilt against the Buffalo Sabres next week, but there are still some serious questions regarding the back-end.
Star of the Game
Two words, Victor Mete. Seeing his speed, puck moving ability and effectiveness up close is impressive. In my opinion, the 19-year-old has played like a three-year veteran without any signs of rookie nerves. The Woodbridge native has a legitimate shot at making the Canadiens opening night lineup on October 5th, and staying past a nine-game stint to burn a year of his contract – that’s how good he’s been.
Claude Julien is putting his trust in Mete and giving him the opportunity to succeed, pairing him with Shea Weber. Mete made a very nice pass to Jeff Petry to give the Canadiens their only goal on the night in Toronto.
I would also like to mention, Charles Hudon, who has been another bright spot at this camp. Hudon was quiet against the Leafs but made a few nice moves to create scoring chances.
It appears that the 23-year-old will finally make the permanent jump to the Habs this season. Hudon is making the most out of his opportunities this pre-season with Julien placing him with Tomas Plekanec and Artturi Lehkonen.
Not Impressed
In my view, Jacob De La Rose just hasn’t looked great. This camp was a big opportunity for him to take the fourth line centre spot from Torrey Mitchell. I don’t think he’s done that.
De la Rose had a few good shifts in the second period on Monday night, but aside from that he has struggled to make an impact. I do expect De La Rose to be one of the first call ups if the Habs need a player to play in the bottom-six.
Byron Froese is another player who didn’t impress me. The ex-Leaf was signed to a two-way deal in the summer and has looked very uncomfortable this pre-season. It is looking like Froese will be a veteran presence with Laval this year.
I was also disappointed in the lack of finish around the net. The Canadiens hit two posts in the first period, and had three two-on-ones in the second period that didn’t even result in a shot on goal. It’s only a pre-season game, but the lack of finding ways to put pucks in the net is concerning.
Pack Your Bags
Al Montoya had an ugly game on Monday night. Charlie Lindgren was slated to start in goal, but suffered an injury in warm-ups giving Montoya the unexpected start. The 32-year-old is competing with Lindgren for the backup position to Carey Price.
After a disappointing performance against Auston Matthews and the Leafs by Montoya, it looks like Lindgren has the edge. Montoya had an awful start to the game, allowing two goals in the first period on five shots on net. He looked shaky all night, lacking confidence in every save he made.
If Lindgren’s injury isn’t serious, coach Julien and his staff must decide to keep Montoya as the back-up or waive him.
It was also a rough night for defenceman Brandon Davidson. The ex-Oiler was acquired before the trade deadline last season, and has been extremely poor during camp this year. Julien said a few days back that they expect more from him, but the 26-year-old hasn’t delivered.
On a team where five defencemen are fighting for two available spots, players must make the most out of their chances. Davidson looked as lost as ever against the Leafs on Monday night.
Luca’s Cuts
These players will stay for a few more pre-season games but they are on my next to cut list. They are: Jacob de la Rose, Brandon Davidson, Byron Froese, Al Montoya, Michael McCarron, and Joe Morrow.
Remember fans, it’s just pre-season hockey. Sure, it’d be nice to get a win since the Habs are 0-5 to start, but remember this is for fringe players to step up and try to win a spot, and for regular players to re-gain their fitness on the ice. Three more exhibition games against the Leafs, Florida Panthers and Ottawa Senators will take place over the next five days, with the regular season starting in just over a week.