Habs News: Montreal Canadiens, Dominique Ducharme, Luke Richardson, Vegas Golden Knights, Stanley Cup, NHL

ROCKET SPORTS MEDIA | LAVAL, QC. — The Canadiens quest to the Clarence S. Campbell Bowl began with a 4-1 loss against the Golden Knights snapping the seven-game win streak. Montreal’s indiscipline in the second period gave Vegas momentum.

“It was the penalties we took in the second period. They killed our rhythm. I liked our first period. We could’ve taken the lead at the start of the game. I think the three or four penalties we took in the second period really hurt us,” Dominique Ducharme said.

In game two, the Habs opened the scoring with three goals to go on to tie the series with a 3-2 win. “I think we got a bounce. I liked our start last game and we had chances last game. You’ve got to give them credit. Fleury made some big saves early on in Game 1 and kept it even. But, tonight we got a bounce and we rode that momentum,” Corey Perry said.

On Friday, the Canadiens announced that Ducharme tested positive for COVID-19, and will be away for an undetermined amount of time. Sean Burke joined Luke Richardson and Alex Burrows behind the bench with Richardson taking over the head coaching role, running the bench and handling the media availabilities.

Later that night, Josh Anderson capitalized on Marc-Andre Fleury’s error to tie the game with 1:55 remaining in regulation. Anderson struck again in overtime with the winning goal to give Montreal 3-2 victory.

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#Habs Josh Anderson wins the game with goal vs #VegasBorn

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— Chris G (@ChrisHabs360) June 19, 2021

“It’s been up and down this year, but I feel like we’ve always responded well to the adversity. Tonight was just another example of that. Not having Dominique behind the bench is just another twist that we’re going to have to deal with. I thought our assistant coaches did a great job of stepping up, Carey Price said following his 43-save performance.

Knights Tie Series

Overtime was needed to settle game four on Sunday, with Nicolas Roy scoring the clincher 1:18 into the extra frame to tie the series 2-2 with a 2-1 win. Paul Byron tallied Montreal’s only goal for the night, extending his point streak to three games.

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#Habs Paul Byron scores goal on a breakaway vs #VegasBorn

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— Chris G (@ChrisHabs360) June 21, 2021

Despite the result, the Canadiens were happy with their performance. “I feel bad for the players, they put a lot of effort in, really played the right way, played real hard. We had a few chances to make it 2-0 or 2-1, and we just couldn’t capitalize. The effort was there both defensively and creating some offence. I thought we carried the play most of the night, so we’re pretty happy with that, and confident with the way we’re playing. It is a little disappointing anytime you lose in overtime,” Richardson said.

Officiating was a hot topic for a second consecutive match in this series. Referees Chris Lee and Dan O’Rourke were assigned both matches at the Bell Centre, and appeared to have forgotten their whistles at home. Both teams got away with infractions, which led to frustration, and the temperatures on the ice rising.

“We just got to focus on the game. The refs will call what they see, and we just got to play hockey,” Joel Edmundson said. “It’s not in our control, we have to continue to play, and work on our game. There’s nothing we can do about that. The referees see what they see,” Byron added.

Perry, on the receiving end of an uncalled high-sticking infraction during game two’s overtime, didn’t want to elaborate on the officiating. “I can’t say anything,” said the veteran.

Ducharme Frustrated

Ducharme is frustrated about not being able to be with the team as they battle against the Golden Knights. “It’s frustrating for sure. We’ve worked all year to be here. I’ve been waiting for that moment personally for a long time,” said the coach.

The good news is that Ducharme doesn’t have any symptoms, and the players, coaching staff, and the coach’s family have tested negative so far.

“I’m used to being isolated. It was the same thing in Vegas. We couldn’t go outside and we respected the rules. It was bad luck,” said Ducharme. He added that besides the rink, the gym reserved for the organization was the only other place he went during their stay.

Working from home hasn’t prevent Ducharme from being actively involved in the series. The coach has been speaking to the players before and after matches. He’s also been in regular communication with Richardson, Burrows, and Burke to prepare the game plan, and between periods for adjustments.

“You feel helpless, watching, and hoping for the best. It’s a weird situation, I’ve never been through that. The last time I watched the Canadiens on TV, it was probably 3-4 years ago,” Ducharme said about watching Friday’s game remotely.

There’s no timeline on when Ducharme will be able to return behind the bench. Ducharme didn’t confirm Sportsnet’s report that he will need to quarantine 14 days before receiving the green light.

“Everyone in our bubble has been vaccinated twice and it’ll be two weeks on June 23. There are a lot of things to consider. I’m hoping to come back as quickly as possible,” Ducharme said.

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By Chris G., Senior Writer
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