Dach scores twice, Montembeault’s 22 saves, and more: 3 reasons why Montreal Canadiens won 5-3 over Utah Hockey Club

The Montreal Canadiens notched a crucial victory over the Utah Hockey Club on Tuesday night, winning 5-3 at the Delta Center. The triumph snapped a brief skid for the Canadiens, who are now steadily getting back into the Eastern Conference playoff conversation.

Kirby Dach scored twice for Montreal, with Mike Matheson, Patrik Laine and Cole Caufield getting the others for the Habs. Meanwhile, Josh Doan (PPG), Nick Bjugstad and Logan Cooley got the tallies for Utah.

Here’s a look at the three key reasons why the Montreal Canadiens defeated the Utah Hockey Club on Tuesday night.

3 reasons why Montreal Canadiens won over Utah Hockey Club

#3 The Canadiens played a solid, overall game

The Montreal Canadiens played a solid game all around. They won over 50% of their duels, outhit the Hockey Club 22-19 and blocked more shots 17-19.

While the Canadiens did run into some penalty trouble by taking six minors, they managed to kill off five. The loan power play goal wasn’t as costly, given how the Habs were able to pull out the win.

The win was encouraging as it signals the Canadiens have turned their season around, especially considering they were not picked to become a playoff contender this season. Now, it seems the Habs are poised to make a second-half run to get themselves back into the playoff mix.

#2 Montembeault continues to play well

Samuel Montembeault continues to be a revelation of sorts this season. The Montreal Canadiens weren’t expecting Montembeault to emerge as a true No. 1 goaltender this season. Nevertheless, he has proven to be steady, despite some inconsistent performances in front of him.

On Tuesday night, Montembeault was solid, making 22 of 25 saves, particularly holding down the fort in the third period as the game wound down. It was a one-goal contest until a late goal from Dach put the game out of reach for the Hockey Club.

Moving forward, Montembeault looks like the Habs’ starting netminder for the foreseeable future, providing a highly encouraging sign as the team emerges from its rebuild.

#1 Dach scores twice

All too often, the Habs have lost games due to a lack of scoring from key players. That was not the case on Tuesday night. Kirby Dach scored twice, with Cole Caufield and Mike Matheson getting on the board. Those contributions were crucial in helping the Habs continue their climb in the Atlantic Division standings.

The Montreal Canadiens will have little time to celebrate this win as they continue their road trip on Wednesday night, visiting the Dallas Stars at the American Airlines Center.