Canadiens Save Face Tonight?

The Montreal Canadiens knew they had to do some damage control in order to get back into the playoff picture. They have started off things on the right foot, after beating the Edmonton Oilers tonight 5-1.

Tomas Plekanec led the way with a goal and three assists, while Brendan Gallagher and P.K. Subban each had a goal and an assist and Lars Eller also scored for the Canadiens. The Canadiens have now posted just its sixth win in its 26 games since December 3. Yeah, not good. Meanwhile, the Canadiens beat the Oilers for the first time since the 2013-14 season.

On the other side for Edmonton, Benoit Pouliot was the lone scorer, scoring on a short-handed goal. Edmonton was coming off two blowout wins in its first games following the All-Star break.

It was Hockey Day in Canada, but for the Canadiens, Hockey Day in Canada could be a distant memory at this point. They've gotta start winning. It's amazing to me that they've had this hot start and now it just seems like it happened years ago. Before tonight, the Canadiens couldn't even keep pucks out of their own net with Carey Price out. I don't know if you would call this a wake-up call or not but the Canadiens need to go 18-9-4 in their final 31 games in order to make the playoffs. Well, now make it 17-9-4 after tonight. In order to get in, they'll have to play more of what they did tonight. Fast action hockey with a lot of traffic around the net. Also, goaltending. Carey Price may not be coming back soon, so they'll need to get that up to speed in order to stay ahead of everyone else.

As for Edmonton, I don't know if we've gave them credit too early or not, but two blowout wins against somewhat bad teams doesn't really put you into the elite category. I think they're still some ways off. Good news is that they've had a good start after the All-Star break and Connor McDavid is back. All's well right now in Edmonton. They could've won this game, but Montreal knew this game meant more to them. For Edmonton, the tough Pacific Division is harder to crack with the Kings, Sharks, and Ducks sitting on the top, so if they want to break through, they'll have to play more of what they did in those blowout wins.

Great night of hockey! Both the Canadiens and Oilers played a fantastic Hockey Day in Canada game! Can't wait to see how the season plays out for them.