Montreal (4-2-0) played Columbus (2-3-0) last night at the Bell Centre after a four game road trip to Western Canada. Columbus has dropped their last two decisions, and were looking to turn their game around and get up to .500 on the season. With leading scorer Marian Gaborik out of the lineup, Columbus had a big challenge to overcome the streaking Habs.
1st Period
Score: MTL:2 CBJ: 0
Shots: MTL: 14 CBJ 11
The entire Canadiens lineup played well throughout the first 20 minutes of the game and were rewarded with a generous 2-0 lead after the first. Above all, three players who stood out to me were P.K. Subban, Brian Gionta and Carey Price.
Subban absolutely dominated and carried plays every shift he played, and was rewarded with two big assists. He had very good possession of the puck, and controlled the pace of play. Right off the hop Gionta came out firing with a scoring chance from the opening faceoff. Throughout the period he battled hard and had a few shots on net, while playing sound defensively. Carey Price made every save that was necessary during the first. He was positionally sound and battling to have a clear view of every shot. He played like the world class goaltender that he is.
If Montreal can continue to play as dominant as they did in the first period, Columbus will have difficulty coming back from the 2-0 deficit they are currently in.
2nd Period
Score: MTL: 3 CBJ: 2
Shots: MTL: 25 CBJ:21
Montreal entered the second period with a 2-0 lead, and their heads held high after playing an impressive 20 minutes of hockey. They played with the same level of intensity for the first 10 minutes or so of the second period, looking as though they were going to dominate the remainder. After some bad penalties called against Montreal (Subban – elbowing, White – hooking) Montreal appeared to deflate.
In order to win this game, Montreal has to come out with a full team effort in the third, prepared to battle for two points. Columbus is not retreating at all and are carrying momentum through this intermission. A short-handed goal by Andrei Markov got the crowd at the Bell Centre hyped up, but it was short lived as Columbus scored a PP goal shortly after. Boone Jenner scored his first career NHL goal and Johansen scored a beautiful snipe on a 2-on-1 after Lars Eller was caught flat-footed.
Montreal truly deserves to win this game. They have played a controlled, disciplined game, and are winning the battles. Carey Price is playing exceptionally in net for the Habs. They are having both primary and secondary scoring, and dominating even strength play. They need to play another strong period, and come out firing all cylinders to defeat this determined Columbus squad.
3rd Period
Score: MTL:5 CBJ:3
Shots: MTL:36 CBJ:33
Columbus came out in the third with some great chances on Carey Price, mainly led by Boone Jenner. Price stayed calm and made some good saves to keep the lead. After a long and hectic third period, Montreal came out on top with a huge 5-3 victory. Plekanec scored the game winner and then topped it off with an empty netter.
Montreal played their first home game after a long western road trip tonight, and managed to come out on top after a thrilling game of hockey. There was some big ups and some big downs throughout the game, and was definitely a thriller for all watching! After watching this game I have learned a few things about the Canadiens squad this season.
This team is loaded with talent in all positions, and are a real force to be reckoned with. That is, when they are pressuring their opponent. When they gain a lead, like they had tonight, they tend to sit back and get run over by their opposition. If Montreal wants to have a successful year, they need to play like they did for the first half of the game for a full 60 minutes. Anyway, I am very thrilled that Montreal managed to walk away with a big win, and a longer streak. Let’s hope they can keep this up!
My Three Stars of the game are:
1. Carey Price
2.PK Subban
3.Boone Jenner
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