Demidov Brings the Habs Close to Victory

Recapping the Canadiens 5-4 Shootout loss to the Flyers

The Canadiens lost in the shootout to the Philadelphia Flyers in what was probably their worst game of the season. Philadelphia outshot the Canadiens 42-20, had a 5-on-5 57.32% Corsi, and a 55.81% expected goals share. Not an ideal game for the home team against a Conference rival.

Montreal did manage to claw their way out of a 3-0 deficit by scoring two power-play goals to give them a 4-3 lead in the second period. Let’s all take a second to appreciate Ivan Demidov’s continued excellence. Demidov had three shots on goal and four shot attempts as he continues to increase his shot volume and find the back of the net.

Kirby Dach also contributed to what could have been an incredible comeback with two goals. Dach’s line with Zack Bolduc and Brendan Gallagher was the only Habs line in the positive for fancy stats: 68.18% Corsi and a 72.18 xG%.

What killed the Habs wasn’t necessarily Sam Montembeault’s goaltending (sure, he let in a softy or two), but their inability to keep attacking with a one-goal lead. I had flashbacks to the Hawks of yore when Luke Richardson had Chicago turtle up in the defensive zone.

Despite Montreal’s putrid 5-on-5 performance, there are some solid takeaways: their power play is effective, they don’t give up, and Ivan Demidov is a dog (cries in Levshunov).