Canadiens Lineup

Jonathan Drouin – Nick Suzuki – Josh Anderson

Tyler Toffoli  – Phillip Danault – Brendan Gallagher

Tomas Tatar – Jesperi Kotkaniemi – Joel Armia

Artturi Lehkonen – Jake Evans – Paul Byron

Ben Chiarot – Shea Weber

Joel Edmundson – Jeff Petry

Victor Mete – Alexander Romanov

Carey Price – Jake Allen

Brett Kulak

Cale Fleury, Michael Frolik, Corey Perry, Charlie Lindgren

None

Game Report

The Canadiens now own the second worst record in the North division and fifth worse home record in the NHL. And this coming after Montreal had a full week of preparation, plenty of practice time to work through all of the nagging issues.

A visibly steamed Claude Julien remotely met the media post-game and offered little in explanation for his team’s poor effort. He cited mistakes which were indeed a problem. 

After an excellent start to the season on the road, the Canadiens have slid in their play and in the standings. Montreal now finds itself 10 points back of Toronto with Winnipeg and Edmonton in between. With expectations raised significantly, Habs fans are getting surly.

With Montreal unable to stay out of the penalty box, they were tempting fate with a potent Leafs power-play lying in wait. Toronto scored three times with the man advantage.

Phillip Danault has seemingly lost any aptitude for playing the penalty-kill. The cardinal rule for defending a 5-on-3 power-play is to defend the seam pass. Danault not only allowed the pass but the recipient was none other than Auston Matthews.

Kotkaniemi stand tall

With Paul Byron scoring his first of the season, Danault remains as the only Habs forward without a goal. In fact, Phil is alongside Victor Mete and Brett Kulak as the only goal-less Canadiens. While Danault fails to contribute offensively or defensively, he played more than 17 minutes in Julien’s lineup tonight.

With Julien setting a precedent by scratching Tomas Tatar for sub-par play one week ago, it is long overdue for Danault to spend some time in the press box.

With his return to the lineup tonight, Tatar looked energized making a great play to spring Jesperi Kotkaniemi for his second goal of the season. Kotkaniemi was the Canadiens best centre on this night. Paul Byron, after a stressful 24 hours on waivers, also had a strong game. 

Up Next

The Canadiens now head to Ottawa for a Sunday night tilt with the Senators.

Plus / Minus

▲ Carey Price, Tyler Toffoli, Paul Byron, Tomas Tatar, Jesperi Kotkaniemi

▼ Jonathan Drouin, Victor Mete, Phillip Danault

Game Preview