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5 Takeaways From Montreal Canadiens vs Columbus Blue Jackets

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Russell LaBounty-USA TODAY Sports

5 Takeaways From Montreal Canadiens vs Columbus Blue Jackets

Montreal Canadiens vs Columbus Blue Jackets
Russell LaBounty-USA TODAY Sports

The Montreal Canadiens staged a third-period comeback against the Columbus Blue Jackets, winning the game with three power-play goals scored in the last 10 minutes of the game. There was a lot going on in this game. Besides the Habs winning their 14th of 22 road games, and increasing their power play percentage, here are five takeaways from the game.

5. First Goal Doesn't Always Mean a Win

Columbus Blue Jackets celebrate the first goal against Montreal Canadiens
Russell LaBounty-USA TODAY Sports

5. First Goal Doesn't Always Mean a Win

Columbus Blue Jackets celebrate the first goal against Montreal Canadiens
Russell LaBounty-USA TODAY Sports

It's a psychological factor, for both fans and teams, that the team scoring the first goal will have the upper hand and go on to win the game. Up until just a week ago, the Habs had a perfect record of winning every game in which they scored first. The Blue Jackets had the first goal honor tonight, but still lost.

4. Never Underestimate Sergei Bobrovsky

Sergei Bobrovsky, Columbus Blue Jackets
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4. Never Underestimate Sergei Bobrovsky

Getty bob 2
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While he has lost as many games as he has won, Bobrovsky is a dynamic goalie. It was easy to see that had he not made the saves he did, the Habs would not have begun scoring only in the last period. He kept them at bay, facing 31 shots from Montreal and saving 28 of those. He did a spectacular job keeping Columbus on top for 50 minutes.

3. Never Underestimate P.K. Subban

PK Subban, Andrei Markov, Montreal Canadiens
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3. Never Underestimate P.K. Subban

PK Subban, Andrei Markov, Montreal Canadiens
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There are too many fans who are ready to criticize P.K. Subban. This game was not his best; his unnecessary tripping penalty in the third period led to Columbus' second goal. He was leading the team in careless passes and turnovers. But when it was time to come through, Subban scored a rocket of a power-play goal, tying the game and becoming one of the heroes of the night. He can never be underestimated.

2. Power Play Lines Have to Change

Max Pacioretty Montreal Canadiens
Russell LaBounty-USA TODAY Sports

2. Power Play Lines Have to Change

Max Pacioretty Montreal Canadiens
Russell LaBounty-USA TODAY Sports

For five of the eight Montreal power plays, coach Michel Therrien stuck with an unsuccessful formula -- specifically, leaving David Desharnais on the first power play unit. It was only when he put Tomas Plekanec and Brendan Gallagher on with Max Pacioretty that the power play began to work. In fact, that line was responsible for all three power play goals. Therrien has to learn to change it up when it isn't working.

1. No, This Game Was Not Stolen By Montreal

Montreal Canadiens celebrate a win against Columbus
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1. No, This Game Was Not Stolen By Montreal

Montreal Canadiens celebrate a win against Columbus
Getty Images

Due to the last-minute scoring frenzy, many said the Canadiens stole this game from Columbus. That might have been true had the Habs not been dominating all night -- everywhere except on the scoreboard. They won 35 out of 59 faceoffs, outshot the Blue Jackets 31-16 and took three penalties to Columbus' eight. Bobrovsky was the reason the Habs didn't score until their power play units changed in the third. The game was theirs to win.

Lissa Albert is a Montreal Canadiens writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow her on Twitter @LissaRantSports. “Like” her on Facebook and/or add her to your network on Google. 

Lissa Albert is a writer for RantSports. Follow him on Twitter and like him on Facebook.
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