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Yahoo
12-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Three Takeaways From A Missed Opportunity
After a couple of days off, the Montreal Canadiens were taking on the Ottawa Senators on Friday night. They had an opportunity to officially punch their ticket for the Spring dance and sweep their Ontarian rivals. Unfortunately for Martin St-Louis, it became apparent that neither would happen early on. Canadiens: Demidov Has Landed And May Be Perfect For St-Louis Canadiens: Where Does Demidov Slot In? Jacob Fowler Wins Richter Award Learning To Win Is One Thing, But Learning To Be Ready Is Just As Important The Canadiens had six wins in a row before Friday night's game, but there's one part of their game that they can never seem to get right: being ready for puck drop. St-Louis won't complain that his team has developed a knack for third-period comebacks, but he must be fuming about those late starts as evidenced by his use of the word "unacceptable" when asked about yet another late start. Advertisement So far this season, the Canadiens have scored 64 goals in the first period and given up 82. They've given up 81 in the second and 83 in the third, so the issue is not how many they give up but how many they score. They put up 78 in the second and 84 in the third. Whatever the problem is, it must be addressed, and the sooner, the better. Since their previous game in Ottawa in February, the Canadiens have been outscored 17-7 in the first frame and only once they managed to keep their opponent from scoring in the first 20 minutes. The fact that they were unable to pull off the third-period comeback against the Sens is not a bad thing. It is much better to get this stern warning in the regular season than in the playoffs, which they will likely make, even though they could not seal the deal in this game. The coach often tells us that a considerable part of his job is selling his game plan to the players; this 5-2 loss will be a good selling point. The Captain Since The Break Since the 4 Nations Face-Off break, Nick Suzuki has scored 35 points in 23 matches, four game-winning goals, at least two points in 11 of the 23 games, and has contributed to 47% of the Canadiens' goals. Advertisement In Friday's game, he scored his 29th goal of the season, leaving him one short of hitting 30 for a second season in a row. His career high is 33, which he hit last year. While he did end the game with a minus-three rating, and his line was dominated by Shane Pinto's unit, it's hard to criticize Suzuki, given how he has carried this team on his back for the last couple of months. The fact that he went to his GM to plead the team's case as the trade deadline was approaching shows great leadership. He will have earned even more respect from his teammates by not only doing this but also rising to the challenge given by Kent Hughes. Time For A Change? With this loss, perhaps it's time for St-Louis to reintegrate Arber Xhekaj into the lineup. Sometimes, a big hit can bring a team to its senses. We'll never know if it could have made a difference tonight, but we know that the gritty defenseman is eager to return. Advertisement Jayden Struble was the blueliner with the least ice time in the game and was guilty of two giveaways. If St-Louis does decide to make a change, he'll be the most likely candidate for a night off. David Savard could probably use the rest, but his role on the penalty kill is crucial, and until the playoff spot is official, I wouldn't be surprised if the coach felt he had to keep him. While Michael Pezzetta has some limitations as a hockey player, he has none in the heart and dedication department. For a second time this week, he dropped the gloves to wake his team up. He struggled at the start of the fight but came out on top, doing what he could to pump up his teammates. If Emil Heineman is ready for Saturday's game against the Toronto Maple Leafs, he should be inserted into the lineup. He applies excellent forecheck and can also contribute offensively. The Habs will need to turn the page quickly and, as the coach often says himself, focus on what's next. Canadiens stories, analysis, breaking news, and more! Tap the star to add us to your favorites on Google News, never to miss a story. Advertisement Follow Karine on X @KarineHains Bluesky @ and Threads @karinehains. Bookmark The Hockey News Canadiens' page for all the news and happenings around the Canadiens.
Yahoo
11-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
MSU hockey goalie Trey Augustine will return for junior season
Michigan State goaltender Trey Augustine will return to East Lansing for his junior season, rather than sign with the Detroit Red Wings. Augustine – a Richter Award finalist and First Team All-Big Ten goaltender – had a 2.10 goals against average and a .924 save percentage in 30 starts for the Spartans this past season, going 19-7-4 with three shutouts. Advertisement Augustine's decision was first reported by Mike McMahon of College Hockey News and confirmed by the Lansing State Journal. Augustine was selected by the Red Wings in the second round of the 2023 NHL Draft and has won back-to-back gold medals as the starter for Team USA at the IIHF World Junior Championships as well as back-to-back Big Ten regular season and tournament titles as MSU's goaltender. Augustine is also one of six finalists for the Sullivan Award, given to the most outstanding amateur athlete across all collegiate sports. The ceremony and award announcement is on April 15. Augustine's return is a big piece for the Spartans, who keep stability in the net going into the next season. Augustine and the rest of MSU's squad will have a chip on their shoulder after being bounced early by Cornell in the NCAA Tournament last week. Advertisement Update: Joey Larson foregoes last year at MSU to sign with New York Islanders MSU backup goaltender Luca Di Pasquo entered the transfer portal on Monday evening, making way for incoming freshman Melvin Strahl to come in next season to backup Augustine. Contact Nathaniel Bott at nbott@ and follow him on X @Nathaniel_Bott This article originally appeared on Lansing State Journal: MSU hockey goalie Trey Augustine will return for junior season
