The Canadian cleared by the Sharks

The Canadian once again allowed a goal early in the game, this time losing 4-0 to the San Jose Sharks on Tuesday in Montreal.

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Like the Philadelphia Flyers and Buffalo Sabers did recently at the expense of Martin St. Louis’ squad, the Sharks opened the scoring before the two-minute mark. Each time, Jake Allen was in front of the Habs cage.

This time, Matt Nieto was the author of the early goal. He pushed the puck behind the goal line after Alexander Barabanov tried to surprise Allen by rounding the net. Kaapo Kahkonen’s third career shutout (28 saves) then saved the Sharks a fourth straight loss. The Canadian had won his last two outings.

A double for Hertl

After running out of a double shorthanded streak early in the third period, the Sharks doubled their lead courtesy of Tomas Hertel. He deftly redirected Kevin Labanc’s pass into the top corner of the net. Logan Couture slipped the puck between Allen’s legs when he was alone in front of him just over a minute later.

Allen ended up finishing the game with 20 saves, getting no help from his teammates at the other end of the rink. It is still his best performance in three weeks. He had allowed at least four goals in his last four starts.

Hertl and Labanc joined forces to add more, this time in an empty net. With this double, Hertl has seven goals this season.

In short

Jordan Harris was back in the lineup after missing two games. He replaced Arber Xhekaj, being the game’s least used defender at 13:04.

The trio of Kirby Dach, Nick Suzuki and Caufield as well as the pair Kaiden Guhle and Joel Edmundson were on the ice for two goals for the Sharks, not to mention the empty net.

The Habs will now begin a four-game trip to Western Canada and Seattle. The journey begins Thursday in Calgary against the Flames, then continues against the Edmonton Oilers on Saturday, the Vancouver Canucks on Monday and the Kraken on Tuesday.