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Canadiens Inch Closer to Playoff Spot with Victory Over Panthers
The Montreal Canadiens have not played since Wednesday, yet their playoff hopes remain intact, as they head into Saturday’s match just one point behind a post-season berth. Their game against the Florida Panthers will be crucial in determining their playoff fate, especially since they have three upcoming games against the reigning Stanley Cup champions.
In their first encounter with Florida, the Canadiens prevailed with a score of 3-1, allowing them to surpass the Columbus Blue Jackets in the standings. Currently, they sit just one point behind the New York Rangers with a game in hand, leading to an exciting conclusion to the season.
Key Performers on the Ice
The Canadiens’ first line has been outstanding since the Four Nations break, netting 18 goals over the 10 games since that tournament concluded. Nick Suzuki, in particular, has emerged as the league’s top scorer during this timeframe.
The pivotal improvement in their gameplay can be attributed largely to Juraj Slafkovsky’s development. Over a span of three weeks, Slafkovsky has matured into a competent hockey player, showing significant growth in his decision-making and play execution. This transformation has shifted from uncertainty to a well-planned approach as he handles the puck.
An example of this progress can be seen in a recent assist Slafkovsky made to Cole Caufield. He expertly assessed the situation, patiently awaited Caufield’s positioning, and delivered a precise pass that led to a goal. Caufield also contributed to the Canadiens’ offense by assisting Lane Hutson, who assisted Patrik Laine in scoring his 16th goal of the season. Laine’s shots are becoming increasingly predictable yet effective, with his signature setup on the left side and powerful top-corner shots that even the best goalies find hard to stop.
Defensive Showdown
Throughout the game, both teams displayed a cautious approach akin to playoff hockey, with neither side willing to take major risks. Midway through the third period, the shot count revealed only 14 attempts from each team, highlighting a defensive battle with neither squad generating odd-man rushes.
Despite not being the most thrilling game to watch in terms of offensive flow, the match’s significance kept spectators engaged. The Canadiens performed admirably against the defending champions, showcasing their competitiveness without any major lapses.
Calder Trophy Race Heating Up
As the season progresses, Juraj Slafkovsky’s performance appears to be positioning him favorably in the Calder Trophy race. Recently, a poll among 16 NHL writers indicated that he has gained momentum, edging out Macklin Celebrini by a narrow margin of points. This recognition could be an early indicator of the Calder’s outcome.
Despite Hutson’s impressive statistics—69 points compared to Celebrini’s 66—Las Vegas oddsmakers still see Celebrini as a heavy favorite for the Calder at -280, while Hutson’s odds linger at +400. It is puzzling why Celebrini is seen as such a frontrunner given his mid-tier statistics compared to Hutson’s historic performance.
Celebrini’s tally of 49 points pales in comparison to some historical benchmarks for rookie forwards. To offer perspective, previous Calder winners like Connor Bedard and Teemu Selanne had exceptional seasons that overshadow Celebrini’s current numbers. On the other hand, Hutson’s performance as a defenseman puts him in contention for one of the highest-scoring seasons seen in years.
If Hutson sustains his current pace, he will not only be the leading rookie defenseman this century but could also approach the all-time best seasons for defensemen in NHL history. Given the implications of such records, any determination favoring Celebrini over Hutson in Calder voting would be difficult to rationalize.
In summary, as the Canadiens continue their fight for a playoff spot, the performances of players like Juraj Slafkovsky and Lane Hutson could shape their destiny and redefine rookie accolades this season.
Source
globalnews.ca