The Montreal Canadiens received a firm wake-up call after suffering a 4-2 defeat against the Buffalo Sabres on Wednesday. With the Eastern Conference Second Round heating up, the Canadiens have enjoyed anything but a good start. 

Captain and Selke Trophy finalist Nick Suzuki and his men arrived confident after clinching a thrilling seven-game eliminator against the Tampa Bay Lightning. Despite the momentum from the first round, the Canadiens found themselves trailing 2-0 against the Sabres in the first period.

In the aftermath, Suzuki alluded to his team’s mistakes and acknowledged the daunting task of needing a comeback.

“I didn’t think we played poorly. I just think we just kind of shot ourselves in the foot,” he stated, as reported by NHL writer Mike Zeisberger. “There we were, down 2-0, and you’re just trying to claw your way back.”

This marks a worrying trend, as the Canadiens didn’t trail by two or more goals at any stage against the Lightning. On Wednesday, however, Suzuki and co were chasing a 4-1 hole before halftime. 

His comments sum up the match proceedings, with the Canadiens lineup suffering a disappointing night. First-round hero Jakub Dobes had a tough time in goal, conceding four against the Sabres – as many as he did in the final three games against the Lightning.

Forward Cole Caulfield’s post-season performance has been underwhelming. The 22-year-old has yet to replicate his 51-goal regular season haul in the playoffs. 14 shots and 1 goal in eight playoff games paints an alarming picture.

Suzuki remained bullish and highlighted his team’s offense in the third period. 

“I felt like we had the puck the whole time in that (third) period,” he said. “When we play fast and we play together, and we’re a cohesive unit, we’re tough to play against.”

He did, however, note their inability to deliver the same intensity at the beginning.

“But I don’t think we played like that early on,” he remarked.

While the Canadiens need to regroup, they have yet to lose consecutive games this postseason. 

Besides leading his team, Suzuki is competing for the Frank J. Selke Trophy. Voted on by the Professional Hockey Writers Association, the accolade is presented to forwards with remarkable defensive contributions.

And the 26-year-old has a firm case, with a plus-37 rating (t-10th) and 62 hits, which is impressive for a center. He pairs his defensive duties with offensive output, leading his team in goals (29) and posting career-high tallies in assists (72) and points (101).

Up against Colorado Avalanche’s Brock Nelson and Tampa Bay Lightning’s Anthony Cirelli, Suzuki will aim for both collective and individual glory. 

Montreal Coach Remains Confident for Game 2

Despite the Canadiens’ underwhelming display, coach Martin St. Louis maintains belief heading into Game 2 on Friday. Noting a few encouraging signs, he believes his team can level the tie. 

“I’m confident we can play any style," he stated. "I’m confident we can play the game in front of us, and I’m confident we can learn from this.”

St. Louis preached the importance of momentum while remaining cautious.

“Make sure that when we lose the momentum (and) get it back as fast as you can,” he stated. “But (also) don't get hurt too bad when that happens."

With a daunting match ahead, the Canadiens will fight for their hopes to win the Stanley Cup. A trophy that has eluded them since 1993.

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Written by

Sijo Paul

Edited by

Suyashdeep Sason