Canadiens Lineup

Paul Byron – Max Domi – Jonathan Drouin

Tomas Tatar – Phillip Danault – Brendan Gallagher

Artturi Lehkonen – Jesperi Kotkaniemi –  Andrew Shaw

Kenny Agostino – Michael Chaput – Nicolas Deslauriers

Victor Mete – Shea Weber

Mike Reilly – Jeff Petry

Brett Kulak – Jordie Benn

Antti Niemi – Michael McNiven

Charles Hudon, Karl Alzner, Matthew Peca 

Joel Armia, David Schlemko, Carey Price

Game Report

While most Canadiens fans were critical of Antti Niemi’s performance against Tampa Bay Lightning, the struggles of the Canadiens backup have extended the entire season. Of  goalies with at least 10 starts, Niemi’s 4.22 goals against average, coming into this game, was worst in the NHL.

Quality starts is a metric developed by Rob Vollman. In 10 games this season, Niemi had just one quality start. And of 66 goaltenders in the NHL, Niemi has the worst goals saved above average at -12.36.

All the statistics are to put into context how difficult this season has been for Niemi. And to illustrate how important it was for him to have a good outing before the calendar year ended.

Now it wasn’t perfect. Niemi gave up far too many rebounds and his positioning left a lot to be desired. The two second period goals he gave up have to be considered soft.

But Niemi made 45 saves, including 16 high danger saves. And for the first time this season, he gave up less than three goals in a game.

The Canadiens received two timely goals from Phillip Danault and an overtime winner just 14 seconds into the extra frame from Jeff Petry.

It continues to be troubling that Jonathan Drouin and Max Domi are doing little to contribute to the offence. The Canadiens will have a home-heavy schedule in January. Hopefully, the comfort of the Bell Centre will be enough to get the two motivated.

Montreal has to be happy with a 4-2 record on their six-game road trip.

Plus / Minus

▲  Jeff Petry, Phillip Danault

▼  Max Domi, Jonathan Drouin, Mike Reilly