3rd Period Push Not Enough for Bruins
The Habs were able to keep the Bruins in check Saturday night, despite a flurry of activity by the home team in the 3rd period. The victory, Montreal’s 9th straight in Boston, moves the Habs to 4-0-1 to start the season. The team has not lost a game in Boston since January 12, 2012, a streak that includes a dominating victory in last season’s Heritage Classic game.
Gallagher Launches a One-Timer
The Habs entered the 3rd period up 2-0 on goals by Brendan Gallagher and Phillip Danault, but Boston was not ready to roll over. Dominic Moore‘s early goal got the Bruins on the board, but Paul Byron scored short handed moments later to regain the 2 goal lead. Boston answered immediately with Ryan Spooner scoring on the powerplay, but that would be as close as Boston would get, with Torrey Mitchell adding to the Montreal lead a few minutes later.
Habs Special Teams Hold Strong
Carey Price is now 24-1-1 on Saturdays since 2014-15
Despite allowing a powerplay goal in the 3rd, Montreal’s special teams looked solid. This was especially evident in the final minute when Montreal’s Jeff Petry took a delay of game penalty with Shea Weber already in the box. With Boston pulling goalie Anton Khudobin the Habs were forced to play the final 52 seconds 6 on 3. However Carey Price weathered the storm and handed Boston their second loss of the season.
Montreal’s penalty killers have been strong this season, led by new comer Shea Weber. Prior to Spooner’s 3rd period marker, Montreal had killed off 21 out of 22 penalties. This defensive play is something that lacked last season and it is nice to finally see the team supporting their goaltenders.
Next Game: Philly at Montreal
Monday night will be the first game of the season between the Habs and the Philadelphia Flyers, who are 2-2-1 on the season so far. It is expected that Carey Price will make his 3rd straight start for the Habs, while Philly will likely look to Steve Mason for the start. The Flyers are coming off a 6-3 win over Carolina Saturday night and will be looking to continue the momentum. Game time is 7:30pm eastern in Montreal.
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