MONTREAL - Kirby Dach delivered a decisive performance just 72 hours after facing intense fan criticism. Following a costly Game 2 loss, Dach scored a goal and added an assist in Game 3, securing a 3-2 overtime victory for the Montreal Canadiens and a 2-1 series lead.
Dach acknowledged the need to move past his previous performance, stating, “Come Wednesday morning, you’ve got to be able to move on and get ready for tonight’s game. As a competitor, you want to be able to bounce back and put your best foot forward.” The online backlash, which led him to delete his Instagram account, prompted calls for his removal from the lineup.
However, coach Martin St. Louis defended his player. "I’m not going to give up on a player unless he gives up on himself," St. Louis said. "Kirby Dach is a really good hockey player."
Dach expressed gratitude for the support from his coach and teammates, highlighting the team's collective encouragement. The Bell Centre crowd showed strong support, with fans chanting his name.
"It was great to see the fans really supporting him tonight," said Canadiens captain Nick Suzuki. "I thought it was his best game of the whole season."
The newly-formed line of Dach, Alexandre Texier, and Zachary Bolduc, playing together for the first time, was instrumental, contributing to all three Canadiens goals, including the overtime winner. The trio combined for six points in the game.
Despite a challenging season marked by injuries, Dach's performance marked his first goal and point at the Bell Centre since February 28 and his first multi-point outing since January 29.
The Canadiens face Game 4 on Sunday in Montreal.