The Montreal Canadiens have faced numerous challenges in recent seasons, with a rebuilding phase in full swing. But on a crisp winter night, the Canadiens provided a much-needed dose of excitement as they took on the Tampa Bay Lightning in a pivotal game at the Bell Centre. A 5-2 victory over one of the NHL’s elite teams, the Lightning, highlighted some incredible individual performances, showcasing the potential of Montreal’s young core and the resilience of the team as a whole.
The win was not just about the final score; it was a statement of intent. The Canadiens were dominant in all areas of the game, with a spirited offensive effort, strong defensive play, and crucial contributions from their special teams. Among the standout performances, there were a few players who particularly stood out—none more so than Jake Evans, whose all-around game was instrumental in securing the victory.
Let’s break down the three most impressive Montreal Canadiens from this exhilarating win over Tampa Bay, with a special focus on Jake Evans and the impact he had on both sides of the puck.
1. Jake Evans: A Complete Performance
Jake Evans’ role in the Canadiens’ victory over the Tampa Bay Lightning cannot be overstated. The 27-year-old center has often been seen as a reliable depth player for Montreal, known for his work on the penalty kill and as a responsible two-way forward. However, against Tampa Bay, Evans stepped up in a way that demonstrated the full extent of his skill set, showcasing his potential to be a key contributor to the team’s future.
Evans scored a crucial goal in the second period, helping the Canadiens take control of the game after a back-and-forth first period. His goal came off a smart, well-timed play, capitalizing on a turnover in the neutral zone. Evans used his quick speed to break into the Tampa Bay zone and made no mistake with his shot, beating Lightning goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy for a crucial goal that gave the Canadiens a 3-1 lead.
Beyond his offensive contribution, Evans played a crucial role in Montreal’s defensive game. His ability to win key face-offs, disrupt Tampa Bay’s offensive flow, and battle along the boards was on full display. He finished the game with a +2 rating, a goal, an assist, and several key defensive plays that helped the Canadiens keep the Lightning at bay. His work on the penalty kill was also crucial, as Evans used his speed and hockey IQ to create a number of opportunities while keeping Tampa Bay’s potent power play from finding the back of the net.
Evans’ overall performance was a perfect example of what the Canadiens are hoping to see from their depth players this season: contributing both offensively and defensively, while also playing a critical role in the special teams units. His goal and assist were just the cherry on top of a standout night for the young center, who proved that he has what it takes to play a larger role on this Canadiens team moving forward.
2. Nick Suzuki: The Heart of the Offense
As the team captain, Nick Suzuki is undoubtedly one of the leaders of the Montreal Canadiens, and in the 5-2 victory over Tampa Bay, he once again proved why he’s the heart of the team’s offense. Suzuki is known for his playmaking ability, vision, and hockey IQ, and those traits were on full display against the Lightning.
Suzuki was involved in nearly every major offensive play for Montreal in the game. His creativity on the power play, where he set up multiple scoring chances, was especially evident. On one key play, Suzuki made a beautiful pass from behind the net to set up teammate Mike Hoffman, who buried the puck past Vasilevskiy for Montreal’s fourth goal. It was a play that showcased Suzuki’s ability to read the game and make others better. He understands when to slow the play down and when to make the perfect pass, which is why he remains the focal point of the Canadiens’ offense.
Aside from his playmaking, Suzuki’s determination and leadership were evident in his performance. He has stepped up in a big way since being named captain, taking on more responsibility and providing a calming influence on the ice. Against Tampa Bay, he played a key role in not only orchestrating Montreal’s power play but also ensuring that the team kept its composure even when the Lightning attempted to rally.
Suzuki finished the game with two assists, helping set up key goals and maintaining a steady presence throughout the contest. His +3 rating was a testament to his all-around game, as he played a pivotal role in Montreal’s ability to both create offense and limit Tampa Bay’s chances. Suzuki continues to solidify himself as one of the league’s top young centers, and his leadership will be critical as the Canadiens continue to develop.
3. Samuel Montembeault: Stepping Up Between the Pipes
A great performance from a team is only as good as the goaltending that backs it up. In Montreal’s 5-2 victory over Tampa Bay, Samuel Montembeault proved that he is capable of stepping up when needed, giving his team the solid foundation it needed to secure the win. While many of the headlines will focus on the offensive fireworks, Montembeault’s play between the pipes was a key factor in stifling Tampa Bay’s high-powered offense.
Montembeault was sharp all game, making several key saves that kept the Lightning from gaining momentum. He finished with 30 saves on 32 shots for a .938 save percentage, which is an outstanding performance, especially against a team as dangerous as Tampa Bay. His positioning was on point throughout the game, and he showed excellent rebound control, limiting second-chance opportunities for the Lightning.
Montembeault’s performance was especially critical in the third period when Tampa Bay was pressing hard to mount a comeback. The Canadiens had a comfortable lead, but with Tampa Bay’s explosive offense, the game was still very much within reach. Montembeault made several clutch saves, including a breakaway stop on Lightning forward Brayden Point that could have shifted the momentum in Tampa Bay’s favor. These timely saves were a key factor in preserving the lead and securing the win for Montreal.
While the Canadiens have faced some inconsistency in net over the past few seasons, Montembeault’s performance in this game was a reminder that he has the potential to be a reliable option moving forward. If he can continue playing at this level, the Canadiens will have a dependable goaltender who can give them a chance to win every night.
Conclusion: A Well-Rounded Victory
The Canadiens’ 5-2 victory over the Tampa Bay Lightning was a standout performance, filled with impressive individual efforts. Jake Evans was undoubtedly the standout player, showcasing his all-around game with a goal and an assist, while Nick Suzuki continued to prove why he’s the heart of the team’s offense. Additionally, Samuel Montembeault’s solid performance in net was crucial to the team’s success, as his timely saves helped keep the Lightning at bay.
This victory was a complete team effort, but it also highlighted the potential of some key players who will play a central role in the Canadiens’ future. With continued growth from the likes of Evans, Suzuki, and Montembeault, Montreal fans can look forward to even more exciting performances as the team continues its rebuilding process. The Canadiens’ win over Tampa Bay not only showcased their ability to compete with the NHL’s best but also highlighted the individual talent that could lead them back to contention in the years to come.