Alexis Belanger-Champagne, The Canadian Press

MONTREAL — No one gave the Canadians away on Saturday night, but Martin St-Louis’ squad showed character after another tile fell on their head.

Rem Pitlick struck in overtime and the Montreal club overcame a two-goal deficit before beating the Toronto Maple Leafs 3-2 at the Bell Centre.

The Habs were without Cole Caufield for the first time this season and will remain until next fall. The team announced Saturday morning that the 22-year-old American will need surgery on his right shoulder.

“I experienced a lot more emotions during the game than during the day,” emphasized St-Louis. These things (wounds) are part of our reality. As a manager, you must remain calm.

“I spoke to the players and explained to them that we’re trying to build a train,” he added. No matter who gets on or off the train, the train must be supplied. It’s our culture, how we do things.”

In his third game since his last recall from the Laval Rocket, Pitlick played the heroes by surprising Ilya Samsonov on shield side after 2:14 into overtime.

Josh Anderson and Rafaël Harvey-Pinard scored in the second period for the Canadian (20-24-3). Samuel Montembeault made 36 saves.

Mark Giordano and Calle Jarnkrok had put the Maple Leafs ahead in the first third (28-11-8). Samsonov stopped 28 shots.

“We talked about moving forward between the first and second periods,” said St-Louis. We gave a good boost in the second half.

“A game against Toronto on a Saturday night brings a lot of confidence to the group. I’m happy and proud of the boys,” added St-Louis.

Alex Belzile was recalled from the Rocket to make up for Caufield’s absence.

The Canadians will continue their longest stay at home of the season on Tuesday when they host the Boston Bruins at the Bell Center.

So and so

The game started badly for the Canadian. Giordano opened the scoring after 53 seconds thanks to a shot from Montembeault’s shield.

The first half was the affair of the Maple Leafs, who took a 15-4 lead on shots on goal. Zach Aston-Reese also hit the post for the Leafs.

Jarnkrok widened the gap with 2:30 left and used a snap from Conor Timmins to fire into an empty net. Shortly thereafter, Alex Kerfoot hit the post after a perfect drop from Auston Matthews.

The tide turned in the second period when the Canadiens overtook the Leafs 18-8.

Anderson got the ball rolling for the Habs, beating Samsonov with a perfect one-timer by 1:46.

Matthews came to the rescue of Samsonov a little later, preventing a puck pushed by Nick Suzuki from crossing the goal line.

The Canadian managed to equalize in the second third with 6:25 to go. Harvey-Pinard hit the bull’s eye in a comeback after a great performance from Michael Pezzetta and Belzile.

The third period gave the Maple Leafs the advantage, although the Canadian had some good chances to take the lead.

Anderson clearly missed the breakaway target for the Habs. For his part, Kirby Dach hit the post late in the fight during a four-on-three power play.

At the other end of the rink, Montembeault cleaned the Maple Leafs’ 14 shots and forced the presentation of a tiebreaker.

Pitlick finally decided in overtime.

Dressing Room Echoes

Rem Pitlick was delighted with the Canadian’s winning goal.

“I had the speed advantage over the player who marked me and the goalkeeper. I liked my chances because of that advantage and shot high. I was glad the puck went in the goal.

Although his parents returned to Saguenay after coming to see him at the previous two games, Rafaël Harvey-Pinard was in seventh heaven after scoring his first career goal at Bell Center.

“It’s hard to describe, I had chills all over my body. It’s every little guy’s dream to score at Bell Center, especially against the Leafs on a Saturday night. It’s a beautiful moment for me.”

Samuel Montembeault explained the trend reversal between the first two periods by discussing adjustments made by Martin St-Louis.

“Martin came to explain things via video, then we rolled up our sleeves. We saw that things didn’t go well in the first half. We got our work shoes out second and regained control of the game.”