Photo credit: Tim Fuller-Imagn Images
The Montreal Canadiens took the morning off Friday after St-Louis decided to cancel the scheduled practice in Brossard following a 3-1 loss Thursday to Detroit.
Montreal now holds a 37-21-10 record for 84 points in 68 games. The Canadiens sit fifth in an extremely tight standings race, where the Boston Bruins and Detroit Red Wings also have 84 points.
The third period was difficult for the Montreal Canadiens, as J.T. Compher and Alex DeBrincat both found the back of the net.
Mike Matheson was unfortunately involved in the game-winning goal and finished the night with a -1 rating.
Juraj Slafkovsky was the lone goal scorer for the Canadiens, capitalizing on a rebound during a power play. It was his 25th goal of the season, one of the few offensive positives of the night.
In goal, Jakub Dobes faced 27 shots, making 25 saves for a solid performance despite the final result.
At the other end, John Gibson frustrated Montreal shooters with 32 saves on 33 shots.
The absence of Josh Anderson, injured in the previous game, forced Joe Veleno into the lineup. The team failed to score in the final twenty minutes of play, a stretch that proved costly.”Canadiens have cancelled practice that was scheduled for Friday morning in Brossard. Day off for team.”
– Stu Cowan
Patrick Roy arrives at the Bell Centre Saturday
The challenge will be significant on Saturday as Patrick Roy and the New York Islanders visit Montreal. The Islanders are right behind the Canadiens in the standings with 83 points in 69 games played.
The playoff race in the Atlantic Division leaves no room for error at this stage. With wins from the Blue Jackets, Senators, and Bruins, the margin for error shrank in just one night.
St-Louis will need to ensure his group regains strong execution for this crucial weekend matchup. A quick response is necessary to avoid slipping further in the Eastern Conference standings.
It’s fair to say the rest could help before returning to the electric atmosphere of the Bell Centre. The battle for a playoff spot continues to intensify down the final stretch of the season.
Previously on All Montreal Hockey
POLL
21 HOURS AGO|173 ANSWERS
Martin St-Louis makes immediate decision after Canadiens’ 3-1 loss to Red Wings
Is canceling practice a good solution after such a loss?