In a game that held little significance for the Montreal Canadiens, their focus shifted towards the upcoming playoffs rather than securing home ice advantage in the first round against the Tampa Bay Lightning. Head coach Martin St. Louis made the strategic decision to rest key players, including Mike Matheson, Josh Anderson, and Phillip Danault, allowing them to recuperate from ongoing injuries. Meanwhile, the Philadelphia Flyers, having already clinched a playoff berth, were motivated to finish strong, ultimately defeating the Canadiens 4-2.
A Game Lacking Urgency
With the stakes low, both teams approached the match with different mindsets. The Canadiens showcased a lacklustre performance, failing to seize control of the game. Cole Caufield, who aimed to challenge Nathan MacKinnon for the league’s goal-scoring title, ended the season with 51 goals, missing his target. Lane Hutson also fell short of breaking Larry Robinson’s record for assists in a season, finishing tied at 66, while Ivan Demidov concluded the season with 19 goals instead of reaching the 20-mark he desired.
Amidst the disappointments, a few players sought to solidify their positions ahead of the playoffs. Brendan Gallagher, returning from a period of rest, made his presence felt by scoring a goal in the second period and contributing to Jake Evans’ tally. Gallagher’s performance likely secured him a spot in the opening playoff game. Additionally, young defencemen Kaiden Guhle and Adam Engstrom recorded impressive Expected Goals shares, with Guhle and Engstrom at 62 and David Reinbacher and Hutson at a remarkable 69. These statistics indicate a promising future for the Canadiens’ defence as they prepare for the postseason.
Rising Stars and Missed Opportunities
The game highlighted the emergence of new talent, particularly from the Flyers. In the first period, Porter Martone, playing in just his ninth NHL game, scored his fourth goal of the season. Martone’s rapid success follows a stellar collegiate career at Michigan State, where he amassed 50 points. His performance raises questions about the decisions made by other promising players, such as Michael Hage, who opted to return to college for another season rather than turn professional.
Hage, despite being a top prospect, expressed a desire to enhance his physicality and leadership skills before making the leap to the NHL. General Manager Kent Hughes indicated that the team would have welcomed any decision Hage made, suggesting that he may still reconsider his path. The contrast between Martone’s immediate success and Hage’s self-doubt underlines the pressures young players face in deciding their futures at such a pivotal juncture.
Preparing for the Playoffs
As the Canadiens prepare to face the Lightning, the focus now shifts to their star players. The common playoff mantra, “your best players must be your best players,” rings true for Montreal. Jakub Dobes has emerged as a formidable presence in goal, boasting a Goals Saved Above Expected rating of 21.2 over the last 20 games, far surpassing his competitors. Defensively, Hutson ranks among the league’s elite in points, while the top line consisting of Caufield, Nick Suzuki, and Juraj Slafkovsky has been on fire, combining for an impressive 110 goals this season.
The Canadiens’ success hinges on their ability to maintain this momentum. Their top line, which has netted 35 goals in the last 21 games, will need to replicate this output against a formidable opponent like Tampa Bay. Historically, this trio has not performed to expectations in previous playoff appearances, making their upcoming performance critical.
Why it Matters
The Canadiens’ recent game against the Flyers may have felt inconsequential, but it provided valuable insights into the team’s readiness for the playoffs. The rest of key players, the emergence of young talent, and the performance of their star players will be crucial as they embark on their playoff journey. With the right adjustments and a renewed determination, the Canadiens have the potential to make a significant impact in the postseason, keeping the hopes of their fanbase alive.
