The Montreal Canadiens imagine they’re enjoying higher than the outcomes present.
They’ve one other likelihood to show it Saturday night time once they go to the Toronto Maple Leafs.
The Canadiens misplaced their fifth recreation in a row and ninth in 11 video games (2-7-2) on Thursday night time, a 5-3 resolution to the host New Jersey Devils.
“We did not get possibly a bounce right here and there, however the engagement and the work and the intentions are proper the place I would like them to be,” Montreal coach Martin St. Louis stated. “We’re simply not getting rewarded proper now and that is OK. We’ll maintain going and we’ll attempt to discover some solutions for some gamers which might be possibly combating it and we’ll maintain engaged on the collective recreation, however I believe that is in a great place.”
The Canadiens recorded a 1-0 victory over the Maple Leafs within the season opener on Oct. 9. They’ve gained three video games since then.
Toronto will probably be with out captain Auston Matthews (upper-body harm) for the third consecutive recreation. He was placed on injured reserve on Friday and will return on Tuesday when Toronto completes a four-game homestand in opposition to the Ottawa Senators.
“We’re stepping into the correct route, in order that’s excellent news,” Toronto coach Craig Berube stated of Matthews’ harm.
Toronto has gained each video games with out Matthews after defeating the Detroit Crimson Wings 3-1 on Friday night time. The Maple Leafs scored two objectives on the ability play and have 5 objectives on the person benefit over the previous two video games after scoring 4 within the first 13 video games of the season.
Toronto had three power-play objectives Tuesday in a 4-0 win over the Boston Bruins.
Though his group was victorious, Toronto left winger Max Pacioretty famous simply how a lot the group missed Matthews within the lineup.
“We’re speaking about the most effective participant on this planet right here,” he stated. “You need him within the lineup each night time doable. There isn’t a changing him. There’s a increase when you understand he’s in right here doing all the things he can to return again and assist the group. Perhaps that provides you a lift in a way the place we need to make sure that we do proper by him; he is our chief. However as soon as once more, we’re speaking about the most effective participant on this planet. It is laborious to justify.”
John Tavares scored twice for Toronto on Friday. Mitchell Marner had a purpose and an help to increase his level streak to seven video games (two objectives, 9 assists).
The Canadiens have gotten pissed off.
“We’re enjoying adequate hockey,” stated Montreal proper winger Brendan Gallagher, who scored a purpose on Thursday. “It wasn’t good, however it was adequate hockey the place extra occasions than (not) in case you play like that you will be on the opposite aspect of it. Tonight we weren’t. Clearly, with the best way issues are going proper now it is irritating, however no one’s going to really feel sorry for you. You have to proceed to do the work.”
“We’ve got to have a look at the positives on this one, I believe,” stated heart Jake Evans, who had an help on Thursday. “We have been simply speaking about it. There’s 68 video games left, so if we play like that almost all nights I believe we’ll have a very good likelihood.”
–Subject Degree Media