Canadiens vs Wild: Sekac, Eller Lead The Way In Win

The Montreal Canadiens honoured Guy Lapointe right. The third line of Lars Eller, Brandon Prust and Jiri Sekac scored twice and were the best Canadiens line on the night in a 4-1 win over the Minnesota Wild.

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Eller, Prust and Sekac scored a goal late in the second and early in the third to open up a 3-1 lead and were the only positive possession players at even strength for the Canadiens despite the lopsided score.

It was the type of contribution that the Canadiens need from this line. It is obvious that Sekac and Eller bring something to this team that exploits teams that don’t have as much depth and speed. Prust also seems revitalized and played a key role in both goals.

The line also had a number of chances that didn’t end in goals and I would be very surprised to see Sekac scratched again this season, or at least in the near future. It shows why he was so coveted and why the Canadiens should be excited about him.

Carey Price played so well in this one and only a great play by Thomas Vanek – yes, him – beat him on the night. Vanek saucered a perfect pass to Jason Pominville to score the Wild’s only goal.

There were some negatives for the Canadiens in the win. The fourth line was dominated at even strength despite some favourable zone starts. It perhaps shows why the Canadiens made the move to recall Drayson Bowman from Hamilton prior to the game.

Brendan Gallagher and Max Pacioretty also scored for the Canadiens who got scoring from three lines which was another positive for them on the night.

Rene Bourque was a healthy scratch for the Canadiens for the second straight game. Moen returned to the lineup to replace Michael Bournival who is out with a shoulder injury.

The Canadiens next game will be Tuesday against the Winnipeg Jets.

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