Jake Evans: the 4 guy who (sometimes) plays like a 1st line guy

Dose
Crédit: MONTREAL, QC - OCTOBER 26: Montreal Canadiens center Jake Evans (71) plays the puck during the St. Louis Blues versus the Montreal Canadiens game on October 26, 2024, at Bell Centre in Montreal, QC (Photo by David Kirouac/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Last night, the Montréal Canadiens succeeded in their mission, and I’m not talking about winning the game.

Of course, winning 5-2 at home against the St. Louis Blues is a great achievement, but that wasn’t the essence of Martin St-Louis’ mission last night.

The mission was to silence the critics by playing a solid game defensively in Martin St-Louis’ system.

Well, that mission was accomplished, and even if it wasn’t perfect, the Habs managed to stop the hemorrhaging of goals by playing a good game defensively.

In short, the Habs deserved to win, which is good for everyone.

Several players stood out last night, and one of them was Jake Evans.

True to form, Evans once again gave his all in every one of his appearances last night.

He excelled in every department of the game, collecting a goal, an assist, a check and a blocked shot, all in addition to being 50% in the face-off circle.

There’s a reason Evans played 16 minutes and 40 seconds last night.

He fully earned his ice time with another performance worthy of an excellent player.

The more games that go by this season, the more Evans really shows himself to be an ideal depth player. He’s a fourth-line player, but sometimes, and even often this season, he plays like a first-line center.

His shorthanded effectiveness is incredible, his work ethic is exemplary, and on top of all the little things he does well, he manages to produce offensively.

Evans has one goal and four assists in eight games this season, clearly his best career start.

And let’s not forget that Evans is playing with Josh Anderson and Brendan Gallagher, the habs’ two big contracts.

The Habs’ #71 makes them look good while maintaining a 0 differential, which is solid considering Kirby Dach is at -9, for example.

In short, hats off to Evans.

It will be interesting to see if Kent Hughes decides to re-sign Evans, or trade him at the trade deadline given that he has just one year left on his contract at $1.7M.

What else can I take away from this game?

1. The club redeemed itself after a negative atmosphere all week.

It wasn’t perfect last night, but at least there was a positive atmosphere around the team during and after the game.

It hasn’t been an easy week, and this performance put a smile on everyone’s face.

2. Lane Hutson had a great game.

After a few more quiet/difficult games, Hutson bounced back well yesterday, as he was often the engine of the Habs’ attack in the offensive zone and in the rebound.

In fact, he picked up an assist in this game, making him the first rookie defenseman in Habs history to pick up seven assists in his first ten career NHL games.

3. Oliver Kapanen was flying around the rink last night.

The young Finn didn’t get a point in the win, but he was very solid.

I was on hand at the Bell Centre, and there was no denying among the fans next to me that the youngster played very well.

At one point, I was convinced he’d score his first NHL goal, but that’s for another time.

4. Arber Xhekaj did well and responded well to his coach.

He wasn’t perfect, but he did the right things at the right time and was physical throughout.

Little by little, the sheriff will regain his confidence.

5. This goal will do Kirby Dach a world of good.

The Habs number 77 played his best game of the season last night, and you can feel the rust slowly disappearing.

Dach was at ease on the ice last night, demonstrating similar things to those that set us on fire two years ago.

6. Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield continue to “surf” with the point per game.

Despite a slow start for Suzuki, he has nine points, including two goals in eight games.

And for Caufield, he has eight, including seven goals in eight games.

It’s good to see the club’s big guns producing at such a pace.

In short, the Habs have broken their four-game losing streak, and will be back in action tonight in Philadelphia against the Flyers at 7pm.

Overtime

– Of note for the upcoming draft.

– He’s very solid for the Leafs.

– Magnifique.

– Excellent start to the season for the young Kings defender.

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