Jackets Shell Montoya, Humiliate the Habs
If Montreal back-up goalie Al Montoya is feeling a little dejected this morning, he has good reason. The 31 year old netminder was left in for the entire game during a 10-0 loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets. For Habs fans the game drew memories of the December 2, 1995 loss to Detroit, a game which saw Patrick Roy vow never to play for the team again, a promise he kept.
Al Montoya was Embarrassed 10-0
Montreal entered Friday’s game riding high, having won 8 straight and posting a 9-0-1 record to start the season. Montreal coach Michel Therrien elected to give Montoya the start in order to save Carey Price for Saturday’s game against Philadelphia. Unfortunately without their star goalie in nets, all of the Habs flaws were put on display and the Jackets took full advantage of them.
The first period saw Cam Atkinson, Seth Jones, and David Savard all score on Montoya, who faced a total of 40 shots throughout the game. The second period saw things go from bad to worse for the Habs, as Columbus added 5 goals in the period with Nick Foligno scoring twice, along with goals from Atkinson, Scott Hartnell, and Josh Anderson. Of the 8 goals in the first two periods, 4 came on the powerplay, as the Montreal penalty kill was unable to perform at all. Hartnell and Anderson would each add a second goal in the 3rd period to complete the massacre.
Records All Around in Jackets Biggest Win
A 10-0 game is something that will always be noted in the history books of both teams. For the Blue Jackets the win was the largest in franchise history, who scored 10 goals for the first time since their inception in 2000. The game saw 16 different players record at least 1 point, a franchise record, and a major victory for fans whose hockey pool has Blue Jackets in it.
For the Canadiens, the loss marked only the 5th time in their 100+ year history that they have lost by a 10 goal margin. The infamous Patrick Roy game in 1995 was the last incidence prior to Friday’s game, as the Habs lost that game 11-1 against Detroit. The Canadiens have also been shutout 10-0 on 3 previous occasions; in 1942 vs Detroit, in 1933 vs Boston, and in 1921 against the original Ottawa Senators team. Fans will have to hope that the team can shake off history and return to their winning ways on Saturday.
Habs Host Philadelphia on Saturday
The team will have to do their best to put the humiliating loss out of their minds, as they prepare to face the Philadelphia Flyers on Saturday night at the Bell Center. This will be the second meeting between the teams, with Montreal having defeated the Flyers 3-1 on October 24th. Fans can expect to see Carey Price back in nets on Saturday, and the coaching staff is likely to make some line-up changes prior to the game in order to shake off the loss. Game time is 7:00PM Est.
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