The Canadian has offered its two best performances of the season so far in front of its supporters and the Montreal team hopes to continue to shine at the Bell Centre.
The Habs haven’t been particularly dominant at home the past three seasons, only crossing the 500 mark in the shortened season in 2021. They went 13-11-4 at the Bell Center against their rivals. of the Canadian section.
“Each team will say they want to be good at home,” said Jonathan Drouin on Tuesday. At the Bell Centre, with the atmosphere, it’s never easy for the opposing team. »
The Canadiens have given their supporters good reasons to encourage the players during the two games played at the Bell Center so far. He played high tempo hockey and showed character. He came from behind every time, providing an entertaining spectacle for the spectators.
“When we play well, the crowd is in the game,” Drouin said. Yesterday (Monday), after the goal of (Nick) Suzuki in the third period, we had the wind in our sails and the crowd was in the game. It helps us to find our legs, to have energy. You have to use that. »
Drouin then provided a magnificent assist to Cole Caufield on the equalizing goal. Then Kirby Dach played heroes in overtime in a 3-2 Habs win over the Pittsburgh Penguins.
The Quebec forward admitted that this game had been good for his morale. Drouin had started the season out of training and admitted he hadn’t quite regained his synch yet after being sidelined for a long time with wrist surgery.
“Everybody wants to get into the scoreboard early in the season,” Suzuki said. It helps you to feel good, to release you from a certain pressure. It will be good for his confidence (in Drouin) and it’s the same for Kirby. »
Dach’s overtime goal was the Canadiens’ first of 13 power-play opportunities this season.
Caufield had nevertheless stood out during the camp with four goals on the power play. In contrast, opposing teams have been emphasizing their coverage of the dangerous American maverick since the start of the schedule.
“It’s a good thing because it means that other players will stand out or have more space,” said Sean Monahan. And if Cole is free, he’s probably going to put her in the net nine times out of 10.”
For his part, Suzuki recalled that he had missed part of the camp due to injuries and that he probably did not yet have the desired synchronization with his teammates.
Rest for Allen
Goaltender Jake Allen practiced after his teammates on Tuesday. The last few nights have not been restful for the 32-year-old New Brunswicker since his wife gave birth to the couple’s third child early Monday morning.
Goaltender Cayden Primeau was recalled from the Laval Rocket on Monday and defender Corey Schueneman was transferred to the school club to make him a place in the training. The reverse maneuver was performed on Tuesday.
Dach and defenders David Savard and Kaiden Guhle missed training. Instead, they received a day of treatment.
Forward Joel Armia (upper body) and defenseman Joel Edmundson (back) skated ahead of the regular group. Armia’s health status will be reassessed on a daily basis. There is still no timeline for a return to play in the case of Edmundson.
The Canadian will take over the collar on Thursday, when he hosts the Arizona Coyotes.