With only nine seconds left and the Montreal Canadiens clinging to a one-goal lead in a critical game, Mike Matheson threw himself in front of the net. Goalie Jakub Dobes watched as Matheson, already exhausted from a 2:20 shift defending against a six-skater attack from the Nashville Predators, blocked a shot from Michael Bunting. Kaiden Guhle then cleared the puck, securing Montreal`s fifth consecutive victory.
This was sheer desperation, a hallmark of Matheson`s game this season. While often overlooked, this kind of effort has become typical of his leadership and contribution to the Canadiens.
Matheson sometimes draws attention for taking risks, like in the first period when Filip Forsberg stole the puck from him, leading to an early goal by Steven Stamkos.
However, such risks are part of Matheson`s game. To utilize his exceptional skills, he often needs to push boundaries.
Usually, Matheson`s gambles pay off. But when they don`t, the mistakes are obvious and costly, sometimes overshadowing his overall solid performance in the eyes of some.
Consequently, it`s easy to miss that Matheson`s block on Bunting`s shot was his seventh of the game on Sunday.
His extensive ice time of 31:46 was filled with crucial plays. Without Matheson`s all-around effort, the Canadiens likely wouldn`t have secured this important win in Nashville.
Tristan Blackwood