Montreal Canadiens Kick Off Road Trip with Thrilling Overtime Victory Against Calgary
The Montreal Canadiens embarked on a four-game road trip, starting with a match against the struggling Calgary Flames. The Flames had just one win in their first seven games this season, which meant they were in urgent need of a strong performance. On this first night, the Canadiens showcased their skills, securing a thrilling overtime victory by a score of 2-1.
Dominant Performance in the First Period
The Canadiens asserted their dominance early in the game, showing remarkable offensive pressure against the Flames. They generated seven high-danger scoring chances during the first period. Here are the key players involved:
- Juraj Slafkovsky – 2 chances
- Zach Bolduc – 2 chances
- Jake Evans – 1 chance
- Oliver Kapanen – 1 chance
- Ivan Demidov – 1 chance
Despite their opportunities, the Canadiens managed only one goal in the first. Bolduc scored during a power play, assisted by Nick Suzuki. The Flames’ goalie, Dustin Wolf, made several impressive saves, helping to keep the game close despite the Canadiens’ offensive onslaught.
Strong Defense and Goaltending
The Canadiens’ defense played a crucial role throughout the game. They successfully killed all five power-play chances given to the Flames. Goalie Jakub Dobes had a standout game, making 36 saves and improving his save percentage to .949, ranking him among the top goalies in the league.
Here’s a look at Dobes’ impressive stats:
- Save Percentage: .949
- Goals Saved Above Expected: +2.0 in this game, +7.8 for the season
- Rank: Third-best goalie statistics in the league
However, a lapse in concentration in the third period allowed the Flames to equalize. A missed clearance by Noah Dobson resulted in a goal by Adam Klapka, tying the game at one.
Overtime Heroics
The game entered overtime, where the Canadiens displayed exceptional teamwork. Rookie Ivan Demidov orchestrated the play, dodging defenders and maneuvering until he found Mike Matheson open for a tap-in goal. The Flames never had possession during overtime, as the Canadiens controlled the tempo with players like Suzuki, Cole Caufield, and Lane Hutson leading the charge.
Current Standings and Future Outlook
With this victory, the Canadiens improved their season record to 6-2 and currently lead the league with 12 points. The team is displaying strong potential as they advance through the season, showcasing both offensive skill and tight defense.
While some speculation exists around the goaltending situation between Dobes and Samuel Montembeault, the current performance indicates a solid path ahead for Montreal. Fans can look forward to the coming games as the Canadiens continue their road trip.
