The Canadiens received 10 power plays and only scored on two of them, but Kaiden Guhle scored with 15 seconds left in the third period to seal a 3-2 win over the Chicago Blackhawks on Saturday night at United Center.

Juraj Slafkovsky was originally credited with the game-winner for a tip in front, and could be restored as goal scorer at a later date.

A total of 56 penalty minutes were doled out.

Sam Montembeault made 20 saves to record his first win of the season.

After a scoreless first period where the Habs went 0-4 on the PP, Cole Caufield opened scoring with the man-advantage on a deflection a shade under the crossbar. 1-0 Habs.

Smooth skating rookie defenceman Sam Rinzel came down the right side and beat Montembeault far side to tie it up 1-1 with his first NHL career goal.

The game got heated shortly after when Guhle nailed Frank Nazar with an open ice hit. Louis Crevier took an instigator and 10-minute misconduct defending his teammate, and also got a bloody cheek for his troubles from the Habs rearguard.

On the ensuing power play, Zachary Bolduc scored his third goal in as many games to restore Montreal’s lead at 2-1. Bolduc became the seventh Hab to score in his first three games with the club.

The second period fireworks continued. On a Chicago power play, Connor Bedard scored from in front of Montembeault’s net to tie the game at 2-2. That’s how the second period ended.

Fast forward to the final minute of regulation. With 15 seconds left on the clock and overtime looming, Slafkovsky parked himself in front and deflected Guhle’s point shot past Spencer Knight. Slafkovsky originally got the goal, then it was awarded to Guhle. Whoever got it in the end, it was enough to erase a rough night on special teams.

As for the Hawks, coach Jeff Blashill could only chuckle about the parade to the box for his team.

The Canadiens end their three-game road trip to begin the season at 2-1. They’ve scored 10 goals and allowed eight. According to Hockey Stat Cards’ nightly report card, the big two of Nick Suzuki and Caufield carried the club. Their linemate Slafkovsky ranked high as well.

Thanks again to the Liveblog regulars for migrating over to the Hockey Inside Out YouTube channel for a virtual hangout in the comments. Here’s what they had to say about an inconsistent performance for the Habs. Next game is the home opener on Tuesday against the Seattle Kraken.

3. “Well, take the win an be happy, but what’s Marty gonna say to his troop who just squeaked by with having ten pps.” —Haari Meech   2. “Not pretty, but no one will remember in April.” — T Moore   1. “Pay back ! I remember late in the season when we got beat they had a laugh at us !” — Alex Polidoro

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