Caufield, Suzuki pointless, terrible PP and more: 3 reasons why Montreal Canadiens lost 4-2 to Detroit Red Wings

By Nestor Quixtan

Modified Jan 24, 2025 03:24 GMT

Follow Us

Share

0 Discuss

The Montreal Canadiens saw their two-game winning streak snapped on Thursday night with a 4-2 loss to the Detroit Red Wings at Little Caesars Arena. The Red Wings jumped to a 3-0 lead in the second period, putting the game out of reach for the Habs.

Jonatan Berggren, Alex DeBrincat, Andrew Copp (SHG), and Dylan Larkin (PPG) scored for the Red Wings. Meanwhile, Kirby Dach and Kaiden Guhle scored for the Canadiens.

Here’s a closer look at three reasons why Montreal lost on Thursday night to Detroit.

3 reasons why Montreal Canadiens lost 4-2 to Detroit Red Wings

#3. Poor defensive coverage

The Canadiens showed poor defensive coverage against the Red Wings on Thursday night. The Wings moved the puck well across the ice, making it hard for the Canadiens’ defenders to keep track.

A good example came from Alex DeBrincat’s goal. DeBrincat notched his 20th of the year after a Red Wings’ power play had expired. The tired Montreal penalty kill group barely moved, allowing DeBrincat all the time and space to bury the puck home.

Here’s a look at the goal:

Habs' blueliner Mike Matheson barely moved, weakly trying to get a stick on the play. He missed and DeBrincat buried the puck home. The play shows how poorly the Canadiens defended against a well-organized Red Wings team.

#2. Terrible power play

On the flip side, Montreal’s power play was terrible. The Habs were 0-for-3 with the man advantage. Moreover, the Habs have up a shorthanded goal, with Andrew Copp getting his ninth of the year.

Check out the goal:

Copp picked up a puck that rattled around the boards, picked up speed, and did not look back. He beat Canadiens’ netminder Samuel Montembeault's glove side for a nifty shorthanded marker.

Ultimately, the Habs’ power play did not score and gave up a goal. It was a terrible night for an otherwise good power play unit.

#1. Caufield, Suzuki pointless

Both Cole Caufield and captain Nick Suzuki had quiet nights for Montreal. Suzuki was a minus-2 in over 20 minutes of ice time, getting two shots on goal. Meanwhile, Caufield played 17:25 over 18 shifts, getting four shots on goal. He was a minus-2 as well.

Overall, both Caulfield and Suzuki’s lack of offensive production came back to bite the Canadiens. Likewise, the Canadiens failed to get a goal from Patrik Laine. While he registered an assist, the Habs missed his scoring touch on the power play.

The Habs will get a chance to regroup on Friday before taking on the New Jersey Devils on Saturday at Bell Centre.