MONTREAL — Zachary Bolduc and Jayden Struble made significant contributions to help the Montreal Canadiens break their scoring droughts in a recent victory over the Columbus Blue Jackets. Bolduc, who had been searching for a goal for 31 games, assisted Struble, who scored his first goal in 485 days. This teamwork culminated in a 2-1 triumph for the Canadiens.
Bolduc and Struble’s Crucial Goals
During the match, Bolduc was in a prime position to shoot when he heard Struble calling for a pass. Instead of taking the shot, Bolduc made a tactical decision to assist Struble, resulting in an impressive short-side goal. Struble’s excitement was palpable as he celebrated the long-awaited score, expressing his gratitude for Bolduc’s unselfish play.
Later in the game, Bolduc finally broke his own goal drought by firing a shot into the top left corner of the net. This marked his first goal since December 23. Reflecting on his journey, he stated, “Sometimes it’s tough. You want to contribute and help the team win.”
Bolduc’s Transition to Montreal
- Bolduc joined the Canadiens after a trade from the St. Louis Blues, where he previously scored 19 goals in 72 games.
- He has faced challenges adjusting to the team dynamics, with only 11 goals in 61 games this season.
- Bolduc expressed newfound confidence in his performance, stating, “I feel really comfortable on the ice.”
Team Performance and Coaching Insights
This victory was crucial for the Canadiens as they improved their standing in the Atlantic Division with a record of 40-21-10, currently sitting in third place with 90 points. Notably, their winning streak reached three games, showcasing their resilience against a formidable Blue Jackets team with a strong recent record.
Canadiens coach Martin St. Louis praised Bolduc’s development, noting his impressive overall play. “He’s really put it all together off the puck,” St. Louis said. He emphasized the importance of consistent performance from all players, not just the top lines.
Defensive Strength and Goalkeeping
In addition to Bolduc’s offensive resurgence, goaltender Jakub Dobes made an impactful contribution with 25 saves, solidifying his status as the Canadiens’ number-one goalie. With a stellar save percentage of .931 over his last seven games, Dobes has been a crucial asset to the team’s success.
Upcoming Challenges for the Canadiens
The Canadiens are preparing for a challenging five-game road trip, starting with an away match against the Nashville Predators. Following this stretch, they will return to the Bell Centre to face the New Jersey Devils on April 5. With a solid road record of 18-8-8, they aim to maintain momentum as they approach the playoffs.
