Canadiens Teammates Praise Sean Monahan's Clutch Play

The Montreal Canadiens had a 3-0 lead through 20 minutes before the New York Islanders answered back with three goals to tie it late in the third period. Sean Monahan broke the draw with his second of the night with 2:12 remaining in regulation as the Canadiens walked away with the victory. 

Monahan was a key to the home team's win with three points. On the first goal, the 29-year-old was in the bumper position on the power play when he began a tic-tac-toe play passing to Juraj Slafkovsky who sent the puck to Nick Suzuki. The captain sent the disc across the red line. 

On Montreal's second power play, Monahan was once again stationed at the same spot, accepted Mike Matheson's pass and fired the puck through three defensemen for the goal. 

On the winning goal, Josh Anderson setup Monahan for a one-timer in the slot and his blast ended up behind the red line. 

"He's unbelievable for our team on the ice and off the ice. He does it all. He's a guy we lean on in every situation. Very special player and we're very lucky to have him," said Caufield speaking about Monahan. 

"He's obviously huge for us. He's a veteran and a guy that everybody likes in the locker room. He got two big goals tonight and I'm happy with the way he's been playing. He's really good on the faceoffs too so we can rely on him in every zone," added Sam Montembeault. 

Monahan has played 729 games though 11 seasons in the NHL and brings a lot of experience to the dressing room. 

"He's a really important guy. He's been in the league for awhile and he has all the good plays and he's always on the good side of the puck. It's just so easy to play with him and I feel like he makes it for everyone on the ice for him so easy. I'm happy every time I get to play with him," noted his linemate Slafkovsky. 

The 29-year-old is someone that the younger players on the club respect and turn to for advice. 

"He pushes us. He's a great guy. You can talk to him about anything and he will try to help you as much as he can. Just having him in the locker room and when he says something you take it because he's been in the league for a long time," added Slafkovsky. 

Monahan has been producing on the scoresheet, collecting 10 points in his last six games. 

"[Monahan] is playing some good hockey right now. I think the play of [Joel Armia] has helped him too. Our power play has helped him. For an offensive player, when your power play is getting you some goals and you get your touches, whether you score or get assists, it helps you keep your confidence," Martin St. Louis explained his recent success. 

Since the beginning of this sequence, Monahan has had Armia playing on his wing.

"[Armia] does a lot of things that doesn't end up on the scoresheet. He's been a tremendous help," said St. Louis. 

With Monahan expected to be dealt before the trade deadline, his hot stretch might help general manager Kent Hughes fetch a bigger return. 

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