Hidden Game: Jakub Dobes stones Sabres as Canadiens deadlock series
It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to determine one of the keys to success during the regular season is to limit the length of slumps.
The Canadiens’ longest losing streak this season was five games (0-4-1) in November, before the season was two months old. Indeed, Montreal never lost consecutive games after March 14-15.
And it also doesn’t take a brain surgeon to know in a best-of-seven playoff series a team can ill afford to lose two straight contests. And the Canadiens are now 4-0 in the post-season following a defeat — thanks to Friday night’s convincing 5-1 victory over the Buffalo Sabres at KeyBank Center.
While this series, now tied 1-1, is far from over, the Canadiens can assume control with the next two games — and potentially three of five — at the Bell Centre beginning Sunday night.
Never in doubt: Forty-eight hours after , Canadiens goaltender Jakub Dobes, predictably, bounced back. He stopped 29 shots — 21 alone over the final two periods — for a save percentage of .967. However, we were more impressed by the stickwork he delivered on numerous Buffalo players who attempted to invade his goal crease. We’ve already predicted Dobes will score an empty-net goal at some point in his career. Could a fight also be in his future? Don’t get against it. And, at 6-foot-4 and 215 pounds, don’t bet against him — especially if Arber Xhekaj provides some pugilism lessons.
But wait, there’s more (Part I): Dobes, following a loss this post-season, is now 4-0 with a 1.49 average and .946 save percentage.
Sieve of the night: We won’t deny Alex Lyon has been spectacular in the playoffs. Going into this game, the 33-year-old undrafted veteran had allowed only seven goals in six games. But the Canadiens solved the riddle on Friday. The visitors beat Lyon on the first, fifth, 15th and 22nd shots he faced. The final goal was scored into an empty net. His save percentage was .852. It’s likely not a coincidence Lyon has played for five teams over a nine-year career.
Five is enough: Buffalo was seeking its sixth consecutive playoff win against Montreal.
That’s how you start a game: Alex Newhook opened the scoring after only 96 seconds.
Pass of the night (Part I): Lane Hutson to Kaiden Guhle. Newhook tipped-in Guhle’s shot.
Good things happen when you go to the net: Exhibit A: Newhook.
Earliest winning goal: Mike Matheson made it 2-0 at 4:27.
Faceoff of the night: Phillip Danault beat Ryan McLeod, leading to the Matheson score.
The drought continues: While Cole Caufield remains mired on one playoff goal, it wasn’t for a lack of trying. He had two quality shots — and hit the crossbar in the third period while the Canadiens were on the power play.
And he’s not alone: Tage Thompson scored 40 goals in 81 games this season. He has two in eight playoff games. Both came in the opening game of the Sabres’ first series against Boston. While Thompson had six hits in this game, he had yet to register a shot in the series.
But wait, there’s more (Part II): Any hopes Buffalo had of a comeback were quashed in the third period when Thompson fell and lost the puck to Alexandre Carrier. He beat Lyon high to the glove side off a two-on-one break, giving the Canadiens a 4-1 lead and deflating the crowd.
Food for thought: The Canadiens took a physical beating in this game, outhit 44-18. Should this series go seven games, we wonder what kind of effect that will have on some of Montreal’s smaller players?
Hit of the night (Part I): Jordan Greenway, 6-foot-6 and 231 pounds, absolutely annihilated Ivan Demidov in the second period. While Demidov immediately went to the dressing room, he eventually returned
Pass of the night (Part II): Jake Evans to Newhook on the Canadiens’ third goal.
Hit of the night (Part II): Jason Zucker on Noah Dobson behind the Canadiens’ net. Miraculously, Dobson drew an assist on Newhook’s second goal — bringing new meaning to the phrase “taking one for the team.”
That’s using your head: Alex Tuch bounced one off Dobes’ mask in the second period. Tuch scored four goals and three assists in the Boston series, but has been held without a point by the Canadiens.
How not to play defence: Hutson was caught badly out of position on Zach Benson’s goal.
Late goals kill: Benson scored with 37.2 seconds remaining in the second period.
Until they don’t: Or until Thompson has a brain cramp. Carrier’s goal came before the third period was four minutes old.
News you need: Suzuki extended his goal streak to three games.
That’s more like it: Despite scoring twice in Game 1, the Sabres’ power play has been putrid. Buffalo went 1-for-46 in April and was 1-for-24 against Boston. Somehow, they failed to convert five manpower advantages in Game 2.
Next time, decline the penalty: The Canadiens were no better, also going 0-for-5. Somehow it doesn’t sting as much when you win.
We see a trend developing: Two nights after Game 1 was played in a tidy 2:27, this one took 2:33
Quick stats: Both Suzuki and Newhook had four shots. Dobson had five shots and blocked four. Matheson had three shots and five blocks while playing 26:44. Danault had a goal differential of plus-3 while delivering two hits. Xhekaj had three hits despite playing only 9:32. The Canadiens won 56.6 per cent of their faceoffs.
They said it: “They showed up the first game,” Dobes said in Buffalo. “I feel like we were the better team today. We can’t be satisfied and have to bring it back in our building. It’s going to be a hell of a series, and it’s just getting started. We’re all excited to go back home.”
“We know we can play against these guys,” Matheson said.
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