Three Takeaways From Canadiens 5-3 Loss To Devils

Montreal Canadiens suffered their fifth straight loss on Thursday evening against New Jersey Devils 5-3 at Newark Arena. Your latest loss keeps Montreal at the bottom of the Atlantic Division with an 4-8-2 record after 14 games, leaving them without hope in playoff contention this season. Here are a few key takeaways from Montreal’s first encounter against New Jersey Devils: […]Canadiens Put Scare into Elite Team While New Jersey may have missed playoff contention last season, its young core of stars are just getting started this time around. New Jersey looks set for success for years with their newly appointed head coach and goaltender who have the talent necessary to rise up against more formidable Eastern Conference competition. But an Atlantic Division basement team provided New Jersey with a scare by taking them down for almost 58 minutes of game action! Game wasn’t too wild as neither team led by more than two goals. New Jersey would have prevailed with just one goal scored outside an empty-net tally had Montreal not kept scoring with Brendan Gallagher and Alex Newhook scoring against their stars, keeping Montreal honest by keeping pace and scoring goals against players the Devils had no game plan for like Alex Newhook and Brendan Gallagher – keeping New Jersey honest as well! Without one bounce here or there, this game could have gone in either direction, suggesting either New Jersey underestimated Montreal or are not as talented as many think they are. Gallagher: Heart and Soul of the LineupGallagher can sometimes get overlooked amid power play goals scored by Cole Caufield or highlight reel goals scored by Nick Suzuki; yet his importance cannot be overestimated in a lineup full of power play snipes from Cole Caufield or high-scoring playmakers like Nick Suzuki. However, while both young players were still playing minor hockey in 2012, Carey Price, Brian Gionta, Tomas Plekanec, and Max Pacioretty had already established themselves in Montreal’s lineup as regulars. One such veteran wore his Canadiens sweater for 11 seasons and currently ranks 20th all-time for goals scored courtesy of scores in recent games. No one expected Gallagher would finish as second on his team in goals this season, yet his unfaltering efforts have earned him six. His dedication and devotion are evident every night on the pitch; as evidence of that commitment to both club and teammates alike he still wears an “A” on his uniform. Gallagher continues to do what needs to be done despite criticisms; yet many remain unaware of his efforts. Is It Experience, Coaching or Players? Since Martin St-Louis took over as head coach he’s quickly made up ground in terms of head coaches with most losses. No one seems to mention how quickly three seasons have flown by. People will eventually ask what steps the organization is taking to assess its roster and coaching staff to figure out which parts don’t work well together. Montreal showed on Monday they could match New Jersey in competitive games as both clubs vied for control of the Metropolitan Division title. However, last week against Seattle Kraken — an unlikely wild card contender who may or may not make the playoffs — they were laughed out of their building and became dismal playoff contenders. Caufield and Suzuki must turn things around quickly in order for this franchise to return as one that is successful playoff contender. Realistically, their “inexperience” is no longer an excuse; perhaps coaching and systems issues are to blame instead. Unfortunately, with each loss comes decreased odds of reaching 30 or 35 wins during one season. As things need to change, and as is often said: players cannot be fired! Did You Take Our Game Day Trivia Quiz? Here Are Your AnswersClaude Lemieux1997Mats NaslundGuy LafleurRichard SevignyBob GaineyKirk MullerJeff HackettP.K SubbanScotty BowmanBe sure to bookmark THN’s Montreal Canadiens site for news updates, interviews with team players, breakdowns of key games as well as to stay up to date information!