Canadiens experienced a heavy defeat against the Penguins, losing 9-2, marking their worst loss since December 2022. Despite a decent start, their defense collapsed, allowing multiple goals with little resistance. Offensive struggles plagued the team, leading to adjustments in line combinations by coach Martin St-Louis. Goalie Cayden Primeau faced a barrage of shots after Samuel Montembeault was pulled, further complicating the game for the overwhelmed Canadiens.
Canadiens Suffer a Devastating Loss
It has been a significant amount of time since the Canadiens faced such a dismal defensive performance, reminiscent of the collective gastro incident in Washington on Halloween night. The team endured a crushing defeat, with a score of 9 to 2, marking the most significant loss of the season and the worst result since December 31, 2022, when they suffered an identical score against the same opponents in the American capital.
Defensive Breakdowns and Offensive Struggles
Despite not starting the game poorly, as the Canadiens were only trailing by one goal after 40 minutes, the situation quickly deteriorated. The defense appeared to unravel dramatically, akin to a chain breaking when the cyclist ceases to pedal. In their own territory, the Penguins maneuvered effortlessly, with Sidney Crosby seizing the moment to record three assists during his visit to the Bell Centre. Bryan Rust shined by achieving a hat trick, marking the sixth of his NHL career.
Near the net of Samuel Montembeault, who was pulled from the game after the sixth goal, confusion reigned. Rickard Rakell, Bryan Rust, and Anthony Beauvillier scored with minimal resistance from any Canadiens players. Even Matt Nieto managed to find the net for the first time this season.
While the Penguins may not be the dominant force they once were, the Canadiens’ defensive lapses were alarming. Lane Hutson faced several challenges on defense, with the older Penguins exploiting his inexperience. Mike Matheson, his defensive partner, struggled significantly as Rakell skated around him to net the Penguins’ opening goal.
Offensively, the Canadiens failed to generate any meaningful threat, prompting coach Martin St-Louis to dissolve the trio of Patrik Laine, Kirby Dach, and Juraj Slafkovsky during the final moments of the second period. Slafkovsky returned to his usual linemates, Cole Caufield and Nick Suzuki, while Alex Newhook joined Dach and Laine.
This decision was not unexpected, as the trio aimed to create a physical presence but had virtually no impact during their brief time together. According to data from TVA Sports’ Anthony Martineau, this line recorded the poorest performance among the 19 combinations utilized by the Canadiens’ coach this season. They achieved an expected goals percentage of just 26.4%, generating only five high-risk scoring opportunities while allowing 14, with a dismal puck possession index of 33%.
While Laine’s reluctance to chase down opposing defenders was anticipated after his year-long absence, one would expect either Dach or Slafkovsky to step up in that regard. Unfortunately, Dach often appeared indecisive, allowing defenders to dictate the play. Slafkovsky, at times, seemed more like a bystander rather than an active participant.
This third-period collapse cannot solely be attributed to the underperformance of the trio, however. Goalkeeper Cayden Primeau was thrown into a challenging situation after Montembeault’s departure, facing a relentless onslaught from the Penguins. The crowd at the Bell Centre added to the pressure, chanting Primeau’s name every time the Penguins approached his net.
Ultimately, Primeau, left with little support, conceded goals on two of the first four shots he faced, finishing with a total of three goals allowed on seven shots. Such an experience does little to bolster a young goalie’s confidence.