The Montreal Canadiens nearly beat the Minnesota Wild at the Xcel Energy Center for the first time since 2011, but the inevitable Kirill Kaprizov ended their hopes at the very end of overtime in a 4-3 win Thursday night.
The Russian attacker waited until the last five seconds of the quarter, while everyone was waiting for the penalty shootout, to beat Samuel Montembeault. Martin St-Louis' men had defended well up to that point and in particular saved several seconds from a Cole Caufield penalty.
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The Habs' last win in Saint Paul, an 8-3 triumph, dates back to March 20, 2011. Many will remember PK Subban's hat trick, the last by a team defender.
Juraj Slafkovsky had an excellent third period, first helping Nick Suzuki equalize on the power play and then forcing overtime by repelling a David Savard shot from the blue line.
The second period was marked by several penalties on both sides, particularly when Marco Rossi received a penalty for provoking a fight with Kaiden Guhle. Zach Bogosian also had problems with Brendan Gallagher, but the CH couldn't take advantage of the double minor.
Suzuki's goal came after five unsuccessful power play attempts. The Canadian also couldn't help himself with several lost faceoffs on special teams.
Despite his lack of experience, Brock Faber was ever-present and continued to make a big splash. Defensively very solid, the rookie defender also supported the attack. He scored a power play goal midway through the third period. Matt Boldy and Marco Rossi were their other Wild scorers.
The Canadian won't have much time to reflect on this setback as he will travel to Chicago to face the Blackhawks on Friday night.
SUMMARY
RENEWAL
04:55 – Ultimately, it was Kirill Kaprizov who decided the debate in extra time. His 11th goal of the season gives Minnesota the victory.
00:00- Start of period.
THIRD PERIOD
8:00 p.m. – End of period.
18:33 – Cole Caufield receives a penalty. The Wild will develop a numerical advantage.
16:57 – BUT MTL 3-3 David Savard's shot is deflected by Juraj Slafkovsky and ends up in the goal. His third goal of the season allows Montreal to tie the game. Mike Matheson also gets an assist.
08:57 – MIN GOAL 3:2 Brock Faber takes advantage of the traffic in front of the net to shoot a shot that beats Samuel Montembeault. His second goal of the season puts Minnesota in the lead again.
08:50 – Joel Armia receives a penalty. The Wild will develop a numerical advantage.
01:09 – BUT MTL 2-2 Juraj Slafkovsky's shot is blocked by Filip Gustavsson. Nick Suzuki jumps on the return and scores an easy goal. His ninth goal of the season allows Montreal to draw the game. Mike Matheson also gets an assist.
00:00- Start of period.
SECOND PERIOD
8:00 p.m.- End of period.
7:30 p.m. – Marcus Foligno beats Justin Barron solidly. He receives a punishment. The Canadians will play on the power play.
15:07 – Mike Matheson receives a penalty. We play four against four.
14:42 – Zach Bogosian attacks Brendan Gallagher. The Wild defender is pursued for four minutes. The Canadians will play on the power play.
12:22 – Brendan Gallagher receives a penalty. The Wild will develop a numerical advantage.
09:39 – Kaiden Guhle delivers a solid check against Kirill Kaprizov. Marco Rossi defends his teammate and fights with the Canadiens defender.
08:52 – Josh Anderson receives a penalty. The Wild will develop a numerical advantage.
08:17 – BUT MTL 2-1 David Savard hits the goal with a swinging shot. His second goal of the season allows Montreal to reduce the deficit. Cole Caufield and Nick Suzuki are accomplices.
06:07 – Vinni Lettieri receives a penalty. The Canadians will play on the power play.
00:00 – Start of period.
FIRST PERIOD
8:00 p.m. – End of period.
14:54 – The Canadiens are ejected for delaying the game. The Wild will develop a numerical advantage.
14:54 – MIN GOAL 2:0 Marco Rossi shoots a shot that surpasses Samuel Montembeault. The Canadians appealed the decision under the pretext of offside, but were unsuccessful. The goal is awarded.
13:19 – MIN GOAL 1:0 The Wild took advantage of the power play to open the scoring. Matt Boldy hits the target with a one-timer. This is his ninth start of the season.
12:47 – David Savard receives a penalty. The Wild will develop a numerical advantage.
00:00 – Start of the game.
In front of the net
Samuel Montembeault Record: 7-4-2 / Goals Allowed Average: 2.79 / Efficiency Rate: 91.1%
Filip Gustavsson Record: 8-8-2 / Goals Against Average: 2.91 / Efficiency Rate: 90.6%
Training from trainer Martin St-Louis