Habs Can’t Contain Blackhawks, Fall 3-2
The Chicago Blackhawks are one of the best teams in hockey in recent years and Patrick Kane is one of the main reasons. Kane scored a beautiful goal in the 2nd period on Sunday night to hand the Montreal Canadiens their second regulation loss of the season. Habs goalie Al Montoya made his first start since a 10-0 loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets on November 4th. The loss moves Montreal to 13-2-1 on the season, while the Blackhawks improve to 11-3-2.
Patrick Kane Scored a Spectacular Goal
The Blackhawks took full advantage of holes in Montreal’s game and Al Montoya had to be sharp to keep his team in it. The Hawks grabbed a 1-0 lead in the 1st period on a goal by Gustav Forsling, his first career goal. The Habs fought back in the early 2nd on goals from Shea Weber and Andrei Markov, but the lead was not to last. Blackhawks’ star Marian Hossa scored his team leading 9th goal midway through the 2nd to tie the game. The late 2nd period saw Kane dazzle everyone as he skated through the slot and snipped one past Montoya, this despite being checked from behind and falling as he took the shot. Players and coaches from both sides were impressed by Kane’s effort on the goal.
Montoya Bounces Back After Embarrassing Loss
Montoya Was Strong in the Montreal Net
One question that loomed over the game was how Montoya would play following the November 4th massacre by Columbus. The Habs back-up goalie was left in net for all 10 Columbus goals leading fans and experts alike to question his confidence level, and the decisions of the Montreal coaching staff. However Montoya was fully able to shake off the stink of giving up 10 goals, and managed to keep the Habs in Sunday’s game, despite being outplayed by the Blackhawks. His performance is a relief for fans who had flashbacks to last season’s disaster following Carey Price‘s injury.
Habs Look to Extended Home Streak vs Panthers
The Canadiens now return to the Bell Center to prepare for Tuesday’s match-up vs the Florida Panthers. The Habs will be looking to extend their home record to 11-0-0 this season, a record that has already surpassed the franchise record. Meanwhile it is expected that Carey Price will be back in nets seeking his 11th straight win of the year. Price is coming off a 5-0 shutout over Detroit and has not lost an NHL regular season game since October 1015. The Panthers are 7-7-1 so far this year. Game time is 7:30PM EST.
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