Laine PP game-winner, Montembeault’s 25 saves, and more: 3 reasons why Montreal Canadiens won 4-3 over Detroit Red Wings

By Nestor Quixtan

Modified Dec 21, 2024 04:58 GMT

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The Montreal Canadiens continue to improve as they defeated the Detroit Red Wings 4-3 on Friday at the Little Caesars Arena.

Patrik Laine continued to terrorize opponents, scoring the game-winner at 12:02 of the third period. Laine notched his seventh of the season while on the power play. Emil Heineman, Jake Evans (SHG) and Arber Xhekaj scored the others for the Habs.

Here’s a look at the three key reasons why the Montreal Canadiens defeated the Detroit Red Wings on Friday night.

3 reasons why Montreal Canadiens defeated Detroit Red Wings

#3 Special teams led the way

The Montreal Canadiens’ special teams were the difference on Friday night. First, kudos to the Habs’ penalty kill as it knocked off four Detroit power plays. In particular, Jake Evans’ shorthanded tally in the first period was a crucial one. The goal gave the Habs a 2-1 lead late in the period.

Then, Laine’s power play goal made the difference in the game as it proved to be the game-winner. For Laine, he’s been deadly with the man advantage since returning from injury. His goal on Friday night capped a 1-for-2 effort as the Habs notched a big win to escape the Atlantic Division cellar.

#2 Montembeault solid again

Samuel Montembeault had another solid start for the Montreal Canadiens. The Habs’ netminder made 25 saves on the night. Most importantly, he held the fort down the stretch after Laine’s goal gave Montreal the lead.

While Montembeault didn’t steal the game for the Habs, it was good to see him play well, inspiring confidence in his team.

That situation bodes well as the Habs look to continue building on the positives for this season. Given his play over the last month, it seems that Montembeault has truly embraced the starting role for the Canadiens.

#1 Laine’s game-winner

When Patrik Laine joined the Montreal Canadiens, the plan was for him to become a significant scoring threat for the team. Indeed, Laine has come through, scoring seven goals, predominantly on the power play.

Against the Red Wings, Laine showed off his still impressive skill set. He was able to unleash his wicked one-timer, beating Red Wings’ netminder Cam Talbot. Laine has been a force to be reckoned with this season. He looks healthy, confident, and focused on winning. Whatever ailments Laine experienced in Columbus, they look to be a thing of the past.

The Canadiens will get another chance at the Red Wings on Saturday night as the two clubs face off at the Bell Centre as part of their home-and-home set this weekend.