Laine plays hero, Montembeault’s 27 saves, and more: 3 reasons why Montreal Canadiens won 3-2 in SO over Anaheim Ducks

The Montreal Canadiens pulled out a 3-2 win over the Anaheim Ducks in the shootout on Monday night at the Bell Centre. Kirby Dach scored at 4:36 of the second to tie the game. The third period and overtime settled nothing, so both teams went to the shootout.

Patrik Laine and Cole Caufield notched goals in the shootout to lift the Habs past the Ducks. Laine (powerplay goal) and Dach scored in regulation for Montreal, with Troy Terry scoring twice for Anaheim.

So, let’s take a closer look at the three key reasons why the Montreal Canadiens defeated the Anaheim Ducks in the shootout on Monday night.

3 reasons why Montreal Canadiens defeated Anaheim Ducks in SO

#3 The Montreal Canadiens won an evenly matched game

The Montreal Canadiens and Anaheim Ducks played out an evenly-matched game. The Ducks had the edge in the shot count (29-21) and the hit column (30-21). However, the faceoffs were split down the middle (50-50) with the Canadiens getting an edge in blocked shots (15-12).

The Habs also had the edge on the power play, going 1-for-2, while the Ducks went 1-for-3. Ultimately, the Canadiens prevailed in a tight game, needing the shootout to settle the final score.

#2 Samuel Montembeault solid

Samuel Montembeault continues to impress this season. He stopped 27 shots on the night, keeping the Habs in the game. In one instance, Montembeault made a big save on a backhander from Alex Killorn right in front of the net.

Then, Montembeault stopped Jackson Lacombe in overtime after the latter made a nifty move to evade the Montreal defenders. Montembeault stood tall, held his ground, and made a solid positional save.

But it was in the shootout where Montembeault shined. He stopped Mason McTavish and Troy Terry to seal the win for the Habs.

#1 Patrik Laine lifts Habs

Patrik Laine scored a power play goal to open the scoring in the first. It was Laine’s third goal since coming off the injured list. The goal gave the Habs a 1-0 lead early.

While the Ducks took a 2-1 lead in the second, the Habs responded about 10 seconds later to tie the game at two goals apiece.

As the game transitioned into the shootout, Laine scored in his opportunity to give the Habs the lead. After Montembeault stopped McTavish, Cole Caufield netted his chance to give the Montreal Canadiens a 2-0 shootout lead.

Montembeault slammed the door to seal the victory, making Laine the hero on Monday night. Laine’s strong performance since returning to the ice is highly encouraging as Laine and the Habs look to take the next step in their rebuilding process.

The Canadiens will hit the ice again on Thursday night as they host the Pittsburgh Penguins at the Bell Centre.