Canadiens Lineup

Mike Hoffman – Nick Suzuki – Brendan Gallagher

Jonathan Drouin – Christian Dvorak – Josh Anderson

Tyler Toffoli – Mathieu Perreault – Cole Caufield

Artturi Lehkonen – Cedric Paquette – Joel Armia

Ben Chiarot – Jeff Petry

Alexander Romanov – David Savard

Sami Niku – Brett Kulak

Jake Allen – Sam Montembeault

Adam Brooks, Chris Wideman

Jake Evans (undisclosed), Joel Edmundson (undisclosed), Carey Price (player assistance program), Paul Byron (hip), Mattias Norlinder (lower-body), Shea Weber (multiple injuries)

Game Report

What should be done with the Montreal Canadiens? They scored first and took a lead to the first intermission after an evenly-played first period. It was just the second time this season that the Habs have scored first in a game and just the third time that they have led after 20 minutes.

But when the Kings pushed back in the second period, there was no resistance from the visitors. Los Angeles scored five straight goals in the second and third periods. The Kings power-play scored three times in five opportunities to skate away with the win.

Following the game, the Canadiens closed the doors to the dressing room, and met for an extended period of time. Reportedly, it was Marc Bergevin who addressed his players. Dominique Ducharme did not speak.

A growing divide

But the head coach did speak to the media after the doors opened again. Ducharme sounded exasperated saying, “I cannot yell at them every two days (translated.)”

It’s a disturbing statement by the head coach seemingly throwing up his hands in despair. With the enormous leadership void created by the absence of Carey Price and Shea Weber, Ducharme indeed needs to step up to provide whatever is needed, everyday if necessary.

The head coach seems frustrated with his troops and vice versa which is never a healthy combination.

Up Next

Plus

Minus

▼  David Savard, Alexander Romanov, Jake Allen, Mike Hoffman, Cedric Paquette 

Game Preview

Check out the game preview here: A Reunion for Toffoli | PREVIEW: MTL @ LAK