MONTREAL – The Canadiens defeated the Winnipeg Jets 4-1 at the Bell Center on Tuesday.
It was the second of four Bobblehead evenings presented by RONA at the Bell Center this season. This time, 5,000 figurines of Cole Caufield were available to early fans at the Bell Centre.
Before the match, the team took a moment to pay tribute to the late Gino Odjick, who recently died of heart failure at the age of 52.
The team also honored members of Canada’s U20 World Juniors 2023 team, including Canadian prospects Joshua Roy and Owen Beck, during an on-ice ceremony.
attackers Rem Pitlick et Rafael Harvey-Pinard found themselves on the Canadiens’ fourth line after being recalled from the Laval Rocket in an emergency earlier in the day. Pinard made his debut in the season.
The defender Mike Matheson returned to the lineup for the first time since Dec. 17. He was sidelined with a lower body injury.
Prior to the puck drop, it was announced that forward Jonathan Drouin will not be playing tonight’s game due to an upper body injury.
Sam Montembeault got his fifth straight start for the Canadiens.
The Habs played one of their best first periods of the season and got two power-play opportunities, but couldn’t beat goaltender Connor Hellebuyck. The deadlock persisted after 20 minutes. The hosts led 10-6 in shots.
It took the Jets just 1:24 in the second period to take the lead with a power-play goal from leading scorer Kyle Connor.
But the Canadians’ continued pressure in the offensive zone paid off when forward Evgenii Dadonov deceived Hellebuyck with a one-timer to tie the score. Justin Barron et Christian Dvorak got help on the game.
Video: WPG@MTL: Barron spots Dadonov, who creates the tie
A few minutes later, the attacker Mike Hoffman got the better of the Jets goaltender and gave the Canadiens a 2-1 lead. Kirby Dach got his 20th assist of the season, while Barron got his second assist of the night and this campaign.
Video: WPG@MTL: Hoffman gives CH the lead
The Canadians continued their work in the second period. Dadonov scored his second goal of the night – and his fourth of the season – using a rebound to send the Canadiens back to the locker room with a 3-1 advantage late in the second period. Dvorak picked up his second assist of the game, while David Savard registered on the score sheet with a secondary aid.
Video: WPG@MTL: Dadonov scores his 2nd goal of the game
Martin St-Louis’ team had the advantage in shots on goal with 21 against 16 against Winnipeg after 40 minutes of play.
Returning for the third inning, the Canadians added to their lead with a goal of Josh Andersonwho completed a rolled game of Kirby Roof. Matheson got secondary help.
Video: WPG@MTL: Anderson delivers a blow to the Jets
Montembeault made 24 saves in the win.
The Canadiens will be back in action Thursday against the Florida Panthers at the Bell Centre. For tickets, Click here.
