Cole Caufield scored very late to force overtime and give the Canadiens a chance to beat the Philadelphia Flyers, and it was in a shootout that the local favorites won 5-4 on Saturday night in Montreal.
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The small forward sent everyone into overtime with just three seconds left in regulation. Nick Suzuki joined him twice in a row with cross passes, before the number 22 hit the mark.
In the shootout, Suzuki was the lone scorer for both teams. The captain of Sainte-Flanelle took down Carter Hart with his quick hands.
The Bleu-Blanc-Rouge did not fare so badly in this match, despite a flying start from Philadelphia. In 2 min 55 s, the visitors had already cooled the Montreal supporters by shaking the ropes twice.
Scott Laughton went there with a blind pass for Travis Sanheim for the first net, from the 39e second. It surprised the entire opposing defense, including Mike Matheson, who had just skated for the first time this season.
Christian Dvorak broke the ice following those two quick wins for the Flyers. The center player jumped on a return throw from Arber Xhekaj. It was his first goal since scoring a hat trick Oct. 29 once morest the St. Louis Blues.
After a goal disallowed to the Canadiens following a judicious challenge from head coach John Tortorella, Cole Caufield tied the game at 2-2 on a five-on-three power play.
Kevin Hayes broke the tie in the third period, and the victory for the visitors seemed certain.
a beautiful moment
Quebecer Mike Matheson has fulfilled the dream of many hockey players from the Belle Province by wearing the Habs uniform at the Bell Centre. However, an abdominal muscle injury forced him to wait until the 18the game of the season before making his debut, but he didn’t miss them.
In the second period, the one that CH acquired from the Pittsburgh Penguins in return for Jeff Petry opened his counter in front of family and friends. Matheson took advantage of a nice rebate by turning around from Nick Suzuki to shoot from the top of the slot.
The Canadian took a 3-2 lead, his first of the game, but he was unable to keep it.
Owen Tippett had a very good game, thanks to two goals. His second, to tie the score, was rather special, as he scored it Mario Lemieux style, directly on the face-off. The winger is not a specialist in this aspect of the game, but he has hard hit the puck, which forced its way behind a completely surprised Jake Allen.
The Glorieux goaltender blocked 25 shots, in addition to the Flyers’ three shootout attempts.
The Canadiens players will remain in the Quebec metropolis for their next duel, Tuesday, once morest the Buffalo Sabers.
