There are moments in sports when a single decision, seemingly minor in the grand scheme, can ignite a firestorm of debate and emotion. For the Montreal Canadiens, such moments have become almost routine under head coach Martin St-Louis, whose every move is dissected by a fanbase that lives and breathes hockey. But last night, during a tense clash against the Columbus Blue Jackets, St-Louis made a choice that has left both supporters and experts buzzing with questions—and perhaps, a touch of disbelief.

It’s a familiar scene for anyone who follows the Canadiens: the team fighting tooth and nail, clawing their way back into contention, the energy in the building rising with every shift. The stakes are high, the pressure is mounting, and every second feels like it could tip the balance. In these situations, fans expect boldness, creativity, and the kind of risk-taking that can turn a tight contest into an unforgettable victory.

Yet, as the game stretched into overtime—a period where speed, skill, and vision reign supreme—a decision from the bench sent ripples of surprise through the crowd. The Canadiens had just found their groove, with young talents like Oliver Kapanen and Lane Hutson injecting life into the offense, and stars like Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield threatening to break the deadlock. Momentum was finally on Montreal’s side, and the anticipation was building for a dramatic finish.

Then, in a move that few saw coming, Jake Evans jumped over the boards to take his place in the 3-on-3 overtime. Evans, a player known for his reliability and work ethic, is respected in the locker room and trusted by his coaches. But in this ultra-fast, high-stakes format, where every touch of the puck can spell victory or defeat, the choice to send a fourth-line forward onto the ice left many scratching their heads.

The reaction was swift and spirited. Social media lit up with comments, some incredulous, others simply puzzled. It wasn’t a knock on Evans himself—far from it—but rather a challenge to the logic behind the coaching decision. With creative options like Zachary Bolduc and Oliver Kapanen available, and the team hungry for offense, why opt for a player whose primary strengths lie in defense and grit?

The debate quickly expanded beyond the specifics of one shift. Fans began to question whether the Canadiens were missing opportunities to take more risks, to unleash their young stars in critical moments, and to embrace a style of play that matches the passion of their supporters. The sense of urgency surrounding the team’s fragile stretch only amplified the scrutiny, turning a single overtime deployment into a symbol of broader anxieties.

As the dust settles, the questions linger. Was this a calculated move, a sign of trust in a dependable player, or a missed chance to seize the moment with boldness? Is Martin St-Louis playing it safe, or is there a deeper strategy at work that fans have yet to see? The answers remain elusive, but one thing is clear: in Montreal, every decision is more than just a shift—it’s a story waiting to unfold.

What really happened on that overtime bench? And what does it say about the Canadiens’ direction as the season unfolds? To find out, we’ll have to look a little closer at the choices, the context, and the voices that shape this team’s journey.

Canadiens coach Martin St-Louis

Photo credit: NHL

Yesterday’s Canadiens-Blue Jackets game drew reactions, mainly due to a Martin St-Louis overtime decision that split opinions among fans and observers alike.

It’s not the first time a small decision by Martin St-Louis triggers reactions. I get it-A very passionate fanbase that scrutinizes every tiny detail and people are quick to point fingers.

That said, that’s exactly what we’re doing right now.

The Canadiens are in a fragile stretch, and every detail seems heavier than before. And yesterday, another specific moment got people talking.

It was simply the presence of Jake Evans on the ice, 3-on-3.

The topic of the night for some.

Jake Evans’ presence in overtime sparks discussion

First, let’s be clear… no one has anything against Evans.

I think he’s a reliable, hard-working player, appreciated in the locker room. He always does what he’s asked to do, and he does it well. But there’s a bit of context.

And that context explains why the reaction was so strong.

The team had finally started to click, clawing back into the game clawing back into the game thanks to Oliver Kapanen and a spark from Lane Hutson and company. In overtime, Montreal owned the puck, and their skilled players were rolling with confidence.

Suzuki and Caufield had just threatened. Demidov too.

And suddenly, fans saw Evans jump over the boards…

In 3-on-3, this ultra-fast format where teams rely on speed, vision, creativity. That’s when the reactions started.

A shared comment said:

“Evans on the ice at 3v3 overtime is so unserious man”

– The Habitant

Again, it’s not his fault, but it’s a coaching decision.

And with young players like Zachary Bolduc or Oliver Kapanen, the creative option was right there.

The team is looking for offense.

So sending a fourth-line player in a decisive moment is surprising.

On that topic, another person jokingly mentioned:

“Does any other team in the league regularly use a 4th liner in OT?”

– Jordan Decker

I don’t think so…

Anyway, in my opinion, this situation mostly proves that fans are hungry to see the Canadiens take more risks in important moments, and I’m far from the only one who thinks so.