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Canadiens: Watch Justin Barron Score First NHL Goal

ByPatrick Lortie|
MONTREAL, QC - MARCH 24: Justin Barron #52 of the Montreal Canadiens skates during the warmups against the Florida Panthers at Centre Bell on March 24, 2022 in Montreal, Canada. The Florida Panthers defeated the Montreal Canadiens 4-3. (Photo by Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images)
MONTREAL, QC - MARCH 24: Justin Barron #52 of the Montreal Canadiens skates during the warmups against the Florida Panthers at Centre Bell on March 24, 2022 in Montreal, Canada. The Florida Panthers defeated the Montreal Canadiens 4-3. (Photo by Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images)

Despite a loss to the Ottawa Senators on Tuesday, the Montreal Canadiens gave the fans what they wanted: a good show regardless of the score.

Granted, the lack of discipline on ice (and a few questionable calls by the officials – don’t fine me for saying that) paved a golden path for the Senators’ victory. That being said, there were some highlights that can’t be ignored.

The most obvious one is the first NHL goal of Justin Barron.

The 20 year old, acquired in the Artturi Lehkonen deal, has had his ups and downs since joining the Canadiens which to be quite honest, is normal. The rookie only has 7 NHL games under his belt and what’s also impressive is he only has 50 career AHL games in two seasons. The 2020 1st round pick has gotten the fast track treatment in the NHL and we’re all starting to see that he can be a solid defenceman for years to come.

Barron can scratch one thing off his NHL bucket list, he scored his first of his career against Ottawa.

An absolute laser and a beauty of a play. Barron showed great athleticism there as you can see him using his entire body to not only back skate towards the wing but also use his upper strength to get himself into proper shooting position all while protecting the puck. Just a great way to get your first NHL goal.

Since making his debut with the Halifax Mooseheads of the QMJHL in 2017, Barron has never score more than 9 goals. So no, he’s no Bobby Orr.

However, he has accrued 20, 30 and 40 point seasons including a 20 points season in 45 games with the Colorado Eagles in the AHL last season. This goes to show that he can’s not afraid to get himself into offensive situation, which gives a lot of flexibility for coaches and teammates alike.

SUNRISE, FL – MARCH 29: Justin Barron #52 and goaltender Jake Allen #34 of the Montreal Canadiens defend against Jonathan Huberdeau #11 of the Florida Panthers during the second period at the FLA Live Arena on March 29, 2022 in Sunrise, Florida. (Photo by Joel Auerbach/Getty Images)
SUNRISE, FL – MARCH 29: Justin Barron #52 and goaltender Jake Allen #34 of the Montreal Canadiens defend against Jonathan Huberdeau #11 of the Florida Panthers during the second period at the FLA Live Arena on March 29, 2022 in Sunrise, Florida. (Photo by Joel Auerbach/Getty Images)

The Halifax native does have some holes in his play but right now he’s in the perfect place to learn. There’s no pressure to win and with the same treatment is used with the other rookies on the team such as Jesse Ylönen and Jordan Harris. Even Cole Caufield and Nick Suzuki have made some costly errors as they’re also part of the young Canadiens core

So far, the kids are alright.

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