Right wing Brendan Gallagher was the hero, potting two goals, as the Montreal Canadiens defeated the Buffalo Sabres 4-1 in their season opening game. Right wing Andrew Shaw and centre Torrey Mitchell also scored for the Habs, while Matt Moulson replied for Buffalo.
Brendan Gallagher Scores Two as Montreal Canadiens Win Opener
Brendan Gallagher
Gallagher played the style of game that Habs fans have grown accustomed to watching him play over the last several years. His first goal was a wrist shot from the top of the circles, using defenceman Josh Gorges as a screen. His second came after deflecting a Shea Weber wrist shot. Gallagher was heavily involved in the play, digging in the corners as well as providing traffic in front of Sabres goaltender Robin Lehner. His gritty game compliments linemates Alex Galchenyuk and Max Pacioretty giving the Habs a dangerous first line.
Artturi Lehkonen
The Habs rookie winger didn’t get any points, but had numerous scoring chances. He is not afraid to get to the dirty areas of the ice, and was able to get a number of high danger shots off on Lehner. He also showed off a solid defensive game, even playing on the penalty kill and creating a short handed chance. It was an impressive debut. He played the type of game that Habs fans will hope to see more of.
Al Montoya
A surprising starter in the Habs net, with Carey Price suffering from the flu. Montoya came up with a number of big saves, including stopping Evander Kane on a shorthanded breakaway with the Habs up just 1-0. Montoya showed very good rebound control, and a strong lateral movement in this game. He looks like an immediate upgrade as the Habs backup goaltender.
Mikhail Sergachev
The ninth overall pick in the 2016 draft, Sergachev is a smooth skater with excellent offensive instincts. He uses his skating ability to avoid forecheckers as well as to start the transition game. However, there is still some things to learn on the defensive game, particularly in positioning in his own zone; as well as picking his spots of when to take a chance and when not to. The youngest player on an opening night roster in the NHL this year, there will be plenty of time for him to learn.
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