SUMMARY
MONTREAL – The long rivalry between the Maple Leafs and the Canadiens is rich and a new page was added on Saturday when Toronto managed to overcome a three-goal deficit for the first time in its history at the home of Montreal.
The CH spoiled its lead, but above all escaped the victory that would have pleased its fans the most as the Leafs won 7-3 at the Bell Centre.
Here are our observations from what was only a fourth loss in 15 games.
Toronto attack overthrows CH
Yes, the Canadian had defeated the Panthers, the Golden Knights, the Capitals, but there is nothing like beating the Maple Leafs.
Thanks to an impressive surge of seven unanswered goals, the Leafs came to destroy this wish of Montreal fans. Rather, it was the die-hard Torontonians, who came in large numbers, who were able to celebrate.
The visitors especially turned the tide with a production of three goals in just 5:45 of action.
It should be noted that the Leafs won the special teams battle with two power play goals and this indiscipline was very costly. Auston Matthews also hit the target shorthanded.
Things were heating up around Montembeault, Hutson trapped
We can say that goalie Samuel Montembeault would have liked to maintain his team’s lead and that he was not at his best on some of the Leafs’ shots.
However, we must not forget that he also accomplished some little gems against the Leafs which increased the quality chances.
There were times when his teammates could have helped him more. We think of Josh Anderson who was reckless with the puck in the opposing zone. William Nylander was able to escape and he made fun of Lane Hutson who ended his evening at -5.
Say that CH led 3-0
-For the first time this season, the Canadian was able to build a 3-0 lead during the opening period. Before this game, let’s remember that Montreal had a differential of -12 in the first period.
But the motivation was palpable against the Leafs. Kirby Dach was quick to delight the crowd by scoring in the sixth minute of action. It was his seventh goal in eleven games and he owes thanks to Kaiden Guhle who made a sublime pass towards the slot.
Patrik Laine and Josh Anderson added to this harvest in the first period.
Laine’s office is still busy
The Montreal market has been very good for Patrik Laine’s morale and the Finn has no intention of slowing down.
When a four-minute power play went nowhere, Laine turned things around for the better in a split second. And yes, with another perfect shot from his favorite spot.
It was his 11th of the season in just 17 games and his 10th on the power play, which puts him third in the NHL in this regard.
Nine seconds later, Anderson scored one of his finest goals in the French uniform. He made fun of Max Domi and goalkeeper Joseph Woll to score his eighth, one less than his total from last season.
Pacioretty hit in the face
In the second period, we held our breath for Max Pacioretty. The former Canadian was hit on the side of the face by a throw from Matthews. But it wasn’t the first time that the winger demonstrated his courage on the Montreal ice rink.
In the third period, Pacioretty wore a facial protector and he was not afraid to stand in front of Montembeault’s net. He also hindered Oliver Ekman-Larsson’s goal.
Starting Sunday, the Canadian will host a visit from the Rangers and Jakub Dobes should play his first game at the Bell Center.
More details to come.
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