Habs Win Big in Buffalo
Montoya Made 30 Saves in his Habs Debut
Well folks the first Habs game of the season is in he books and the Canadiens walked out of Buffalo with a 4-1 win under their belts. Brendan Gallagher led the scoring for Montreal with a 2 goal performance, while newly acquired Hab Andrew Shaw also lit the lamp, as did Torrey Mitchell. The win was backstopped in goal by Al Montoya, an off-season pickup, who was filling in for Carey Price, who is down with the flu. The lone Buffalo goal was credited to Matt Moulson.
Rough Game Leaves Both Sides Shaken
Sabres Evander Kane is Treated on the Ice After a Hard Impact
For the opening game of the season this one certainly had a mid-season toughness to it. The Sabres started the game already missing their superstar forward Jack Eichel who is out for 4-6 weeks with a high ankle sprain. Late in the second period the team from Buffalo also lost star forward Evander Kane when he slid hard into the end boards. Kane was attended to on the ice before being helped off. Early reports indicate a possibility of a rib injury and Kane was transported to a local hospital for further evaluation.
Forward Torrey Mitchell Left the Game Late with a Possible Head Injury
The Injury bug also took aim at the visiting Canadiens, with goal-scorer Torrey Mitchell going down with a probable concussion midway through the third period. Mitchell fell along the benches just as former Habs teammate Josh Georges was lining him up for a hit. Georges knee impacted Mitchell’s helmet, causing a scrum around the fallen Habs player. Mitchell was helped off the ice and did not return. The incident was the second of the game for Mitchell, who took an errant shot to the face during the second period. No update on his condition has yet been made available. This could prove to be a costly injury for the Habs if it proves to be long term. Mitchell is a dependable player with excellent face off skills.
Penalties Add Question to Coming Lineups
A late game incident involving Andrew Shaw may have consequences for the Habs lineup for the weekend. Shaw was given a Match Penalty as the clock expired in the third. The Habs forward appeared to slew-foot Buffalo player Johan Larsson as the clock expired, leaving many questioning if further discipline would be coming from the NHL head office. With the league clamping down on such moves Shaw should not be surprised to find himself on the receiving end of a suspension or fine.
Upcoming Game: Saturday October 15 — Habs @ Senators
From Buffalo the Habs will now travel back to Canada and head to the nation’s capital to face the Sens on Saturday. Ottawa is coming off a 5-4 overtime win vs the Toronto Maple Leafs, who had the debut of their star rookie Auston Matthews marred by the loss, this despite a record breaking 4 goal night by Matthews. Habs management has already confirmed that Carey Price will not be ready to play, which means that AL Montoya will likely get the start for a second straight game. The Habs will follow that game up on Tuesday with their home opener at the Bell Center vs the reigning Stanley Cup Champions Pittsburgh Penguins.
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