It was a close call for the Canadiens players to go on vacation with a smile on their faces. But whether they end up in Mexico, the Dominican Republic or Plattsburgh, they're likely to start them off with some bitterness.
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The Habs, who led 2-1 against the Penguins early in the third period, ultimately lost 3-2 in overtime. Even though he seems to have become accustomed to losing leads, the Canadian only suffered a second setback when he took the lead after 40 minutes (12-0-2).
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Martin St-Louis' troops were likely disappointed when they returned to the visitors' locker room at PPG Paints Arena. However, you can take solace in the fact that it took an incredible performance from Sidney Crosby to set up Jake Guentzel's equalizer.
The Penguins captain played a pass with his back, even though he had Kaiden Guhle in his pants. The latter showed that he was capable of taking care of the big names in the Bettman scene. The Albertan wore number 87 for most of the 25 minutes and 45 seconds he spent on the field.
As if that term wasn't enough, it was the 22-year-old full-back who scored the first goal. During this series, Cole Caufield picked up a point for the ninth straight game.
Coming back to Guhle, this other admirable team against a fast and clever attacker demonstrates all the young man's sporting and intellectual qualities. His skating and reading of the game are on another level. With him in his training, the Canadian will be the envy of many for several seasons.
Departures are to be expected
The Montreal team is taking advantage of a few days off leading up to All-Star weekend and won't play its next game until February 6 in Washington. The face of the team might look a little different when it returns.
We are aware that Kent Hughes is trying to trade Jake Allen to another team. His presence in front of the net after Samuel Montembeault's exceptional night on Thursday can only be explained by the Habs general manager's desire to put his goalie in the window.
It's unclear whether any of Hughes' colleagues will be courted, but Allen has given his general manager some ammunition. He blocked 30 shots well and was not to blame for any of the home team's goals.
Sean Monahan is another one taking a chance on a change of scenery. Later in the evening, Sportsnet colleague Elliotte Friedman revealed that the New York Rangers, who are struggling with injuries at center, might be tempted to sign him. That remains to be seen, as Hughes may well have the luxury of upping the ante.
The 29-year-old center has been playing solid hockey since the start of the season.
This was the case again in Pittsburgh. Monahan was at the center of several threatening breakthroughs near Tristan Jarry. He himself shot on goal five times and gave Juraj Slafkovsky (also the author of five shots on goal) great opportunities to hit the goal.
He also succeeded in the massive attack.
We repeat ourselves about the Slovakian, but he is gaining confidence with every game he plays. His coach also trusts him more and more. On Saturday, St-Louis even used it in overtime. And he came very close to his team's victory by overtaking Kristopher Letang.
- Brendan Gallagher served his first five-match ban. On the other hand, Lars Eller celebrated the 1000th game of his career by scoring his ninth goal of the season.