Canadiens Lineup

Tomas Tatar – Phillip Danault – Nick Suzuki

Charles Hudon – Jesperi Kotkaniemi – Joel Armia

Phil Varone – Jordan Weal – Dale Weise

Matthew Peca – Jake Evans – Riley Barber

Ben Chiarot – Jeff Petry

Mike Reilly – Cale Fleury

Otto Leskinen – Christian Folin

Keith Kinkaid – Cayden Primeau

Game Report

The Canadiens remained perfect for the exhibition schedule with a 4-0 win over an underwhelming lineup of Ottawa Senators. But more importantly, Montreal passed a few more important tests with just three pre-season games to go. 

First and foremost, it was the initial game for newly-acquired backup Keith Kinkaid and his opportunity to show that he is not the goalie defined by his malodorous statistics last season.

As the game unfolded, it was clear that the Senators were more intent on body contact with Kinkaid than creating high quality scoring chances. The Senators went for more than 16 minutes in the second period without a shot. Kinkaid faced just nine shots in his first 37 minutes of work. As such, it is difficult to fully evaluate his performance.

Suffice to say that Kinkaid looked reasonably good for his first game since February, even managing a highlight reel save on Ottawa prospect Alex Formenton. It was the ideal first start for Kinkaid to provide a boost to his confidence. But we’ll need to see the native of Farmingville, NY. truly challenged to have a better idea about how his season will play out.

It was also a test for Habs rookie Nick Suzuki as he moved to the wing on the top line. As he’s done each time this pre-season, Suzuki passed with flying colours. Playing with Tomas Tatar and Phil Danault, didn’t look out of place at all leading all forwards with five shots on goal in just over 16 minutes of ice time. 

Lastly it was a key test for Montreal’s special teams. Coming into this game, the Canadiens’ power-play had not scored and the penalty-killers had allowed a goal in each of the three previous contests.

Tonight that turned completely around. The Habs were perfect on the penalty-kill including more than three minutes of solid play from each of Suzuki and Otto Leskinen. The power-play was also flawless going 3-for-3 with Jeff Petry playing a key role.

It’s necessary to save a few words for Jake Evans who continues to impress. Evans scored his second goal of the pre-season when Riley Barber took advantage of a miscue by Senators goaltender Craig Anderson. Evans also showed his leadership stepping in to defend Kinkaid when Brady Tkachuk was causing havoc in the crease.

The Canadiens return to Montreal to face the Maple Leafs on Monday night. 

Plus / Minus

▲  Jake Evans, Nick Suzuki, Jeff Petry, Keith Kinkaid, Riley Barber, Jesperi Kotkaniemi

▼  Mike Reilly, Dale Weise, Charles Hudon, Matthew Peca, Christian Folin, Jordan Weal, Phil Varone