TORONTO — While it ended in a 1-0 overtime defeat, a game the Montreal Canadiens ideally needed to win in regulation to lock in their first playoff appearance in four years, it was a result that still carries significant weight. To call it anything but bittersweet would be inaccurate.
This loss stung for the Canadiens.
It might not have been as sharp a blow as the previous night`s 5-2 setback against the Ottawa Senators, which was their initial chance to clinch a playoff berth.
However, the disappointment was still palpable.
This time, the sting was lessened by securing a valuable point in the standings. This point gained in Toronto proved crucial, eliminating the Detroit Red Wings from playoff contention after both New York teams were knocked out earlier in the day. It also sets the stage for clinching a playoff spot if the Columbus Blue Jackets fail to defeat the Washington Capitals on Sunday, regardless of the manner of defeat.
The manner in which the Canadiens earned this point is also significant, despite the disappointing outcome.
They demonstrated a strong performance, rediscovering the disciplined play that initially propelled them in the wild-card race. This was especially noteworthy given the circumstances.
Playing the second game of a back-to-back against a well-rested, Atlantic Division-leading Maple Leafs team, fresh off an energetic victory over the Tampa Bay Lightning, presented a tough challenge. Coming less than 24 hours after a lackluster loss to Ottawa, another slow start in Toronto seemed likely, and a subsequent downward spiral wouldn`t have been surprising, particularly given the negative trends that had emerged during their prior six-game winning streak. The strong desire to finally secure a playoff spot only amplified the potential pressure.
However, none of those negative scenarios materialized.
Instead, the Canadiens executed a composed, disciplined, and strategic game.
“I believe we played up to our standards, and when we do, we give ourselves a fighting chance,” Canadiens coach Martin St. Louis commented. “Although we couldn`t capitalize on our scoring opportunities, we displayed heart and determination, and our intentions were right tonight.”
This was evident not only in their successful penalty kill during a critical five-on-three situation in the third period, after Toronto`s dangerous five-on-four power play earlier in the game, but also in the limited scoring chances they conceded and the numerous opportunities they created at even strength.
While the final shot count favored the Leafs 35-15, the overall shot attempts were even at 57-57.
Mitch Marner`s goal was the game`s only score, occurring in three-on-three overtime. At five-on-five, the Canadiens actually out-chanced Toronto in scoring opportunities 20-15 and high-danger chances 10-9.
Tristan Blackwood