Tank youse, Hed., for that enthusiastic introduction. After I wrote yesterday's column (but before the game vs Winnipeg began), two things happened.
First, I realized that the teams amazing new rookie is Cole Caufield, not "Caulfield", so a lui, mes excuses. Although he didn't score a goal, he was terrific in yesterday's game -- a real ball of fire, like hot coals. [Geddit? Ed.] He's going to score real soon... maybe tonight vs Ottawa!
That's good news. The bad news is that the Canadiens announced, just before last night's game, that captain Shea Weber would be out with an "upper body injury". That makes six (6) of the regular starting lineup hors de combat for one reason or another.
That meant that both Jon Merrill and Erik Gustaffson, recently acquired to shore up the Habs' defence, had to play as the third pair, and, frankly, they didn't look worth whatever it is they're being paid. Fingers were being point at them (as well as rookie blueliner Alexandre Romanov) after les Glorieux fell behind 2-0 and then 3-1 to the Jets just past midway through the game.
Now back to the good news. Les boyz fought back to beat the Jets 5-3 for an absolutely hyuge victory. Nick Suzuki, who's been on the fans' fecal roster lately, scored twice, while Artturi Lehkonen, Joel Armia and Tyler Toffoli added singles. Toffoli's empty-netter was his 26th this year in 49 games. Could he pot 30 before the end of the season? Can't remember last time a Canadien scored that many.
Goalie Jake Allen wasn't brilliant, especially on the third Jets goal, but played well enough, given the lacunae of the alleged defencemen (see above) in front of him. The win improved the Canadiens' record to 22-18-9, one game closer to clinching the fourth and final playoff spot in the North (read: Canadian) Division.
The Habs moved to within four points of the third-place Jets (27-20-3) with one game in hand. If they can get ahead of the Jets and finish third, they would face Connor McDavid and the Edmonton Oilers in the first round of the playoffs, and would have a better chance of advancing to the second round which would be (in all likelihood) against the Toronto Maple Leafs. Go Habs go!
UPDATE added by Ed. 2/5/21. We are pleased to report that Cole Caufield scored the game-winner in overtime as les Glorieux came from behind a two-goal deficit to beat Ottawa 3-2. Jeff Petry and Nick Suzuki scored the other two goals and had very strong games. All this without the aforementioned six regulars. Congrats, les boyz!
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