Montreal Canadiens Analysis: Charles Hudon’s drive wins it in overtime
By Omar L
Thoughts and Observations
The power-play was lackluster (one shot on three opportunities), and if it wasn’t for Price, some missed shots, and the goal post, the Devils could’ve scored another three in the second period. Speed was an obvious factor as New Jersey kept beating the Habs to the puck and it was hurting both at even strength and on the man advantage.
More from Habs News
- Montreal Canadiens: Biggest Questions Going Into 2023-24
- Montreal Canadiens: Quentin Miller’s Poise And Confidence Fuel His Game
- Montreal Canadiens: Laval Rocket Top Defence Pair Could Be Set
- Montreal Canadiens: Worst Move Of The Pierre Gauthier Era
- Montreal Canadiens: Could Casey DeSmith End Up In Colorado?
It was a pretty uneventful game overall but getting it to overtime guaranteed the Habs at least a point. We didn’t see Tomas Plekanec start the 3-on-3 to the delight of many fans (mental note), but Jonathan Drouin got things started for the team after intercepting a play in the defensive zone and breaking the puck out. Galchenyuk had some nice individual efforts as well, but nothing compared to what Charles Hudon did.
As much as we critique Montreal’s coverage sometimes, this was pretty bad on New Jersey’s end. Hudon skated with the puck into the offensive zone fighting off both Pavel Zacha and Sami Vatanen. Blake Coleman decided to join the party too, keep in mind this is 3-on-3, and Hudon got the puck over to Plekanec who ended the game.
Another look at Hudon's board work. Draws all three Devils in then hits a wide open Plekanec. Unreal #Habs pic.twitter.com/w6V7ePIHwh
— Shayne Pasquino (@shaynepasquino) December 15, 2017
You have to laugh at that. It was an amazing effort by Hudon and just speaks to how well he’s adjusted to the NHL game this season, but the fact that Plekanec scored the winner after many joked about Julien’s use of him in overtime in the past is funny. Hurray for a little irony right?