Fluke Goal Ends Habs Streak, Panthers Win 4-3
The Habs, and their star goalie Carey Price, were both looking for history on Tuesday night, but it wasn’t meant to be. Montreal was looking to extend their home winning streak to 11 games, a franchise record for wins to start the season. Meanwhile Price was looking to tie the franchise record for a single season winning streak. Unfortunately a couple bad bounces ended both record attempts as the Florida Panthers took the win 4-3 in overtime.
The game Tuesday night was far from Montreal’s best this year, but they managed to stay in contention throughout. Team captain Max Pacioretty opened the scoring barely 2 minutes into the first on a powerplay that had resulted due to a hook by Florida’s Jaromir Jagr. The Panthers were quick to fight back though with Alex Petrovic tying the game barely 3 minutes later. Florida’s Kyle Rau would later score to give the Panther as 2-1 lead after 20 minutes.
Ekblad Breaks His Stick and Scores on a Deflection
The Habs would once again tie the game early in the second with a goal by David Desharnais, his 3rd of the season. However Florida was not done as Denis Malgin put his team ahead once again later in the period. The 3rd saw Montreal again tie it on Paul Byron‘s 6th of the year, a goal that would ultimately force overtime between the two teams. Unfortunately for the Canadiens a broken stick left them in a defensive jam and Aaron Ekblad‘s shot bounced off Nathan Beaulieu‘s skate past the netminder to hand the Panthers the victory. The loss moves Montreal to 13-2-2 for the season, while Florida goes to 8-7-1.
Record Attempts Cut Short
The Habs entered the game 10-0-0 at home so far this season, and Price was 10-0-0 overall. Both had already set records, as the Habs eclipsed their franchise record for home wins to start a season, while Price became the first NHL goaltender to open a season with 10 straight wins. Price was looking to equal the franchise mark for consecutive single season wins, a record that sits at 11. The record was set in 1927 by George Hainsworth. The loss is Price’s first since October 29, 2015, ending a 13 game streak stretching back to last season prior to his injury.
Time to Rock the Hurricanes
With their home winning streak snapped, the Habs now head back out on the road for a game on Friday against the Carolina Hurricanes. The Canes are 5-6-4 so far this season and sit near the bottom of the Metropolitan Division. With back to back games being scheduled for Friday and Saturday it is likely that Montreal’s Al Montoya will get the start, so that Price can face the Toronto Maple Leafs on Saturday. Montoya is coming off a 3-2 loss to the Blackhawks on Sunday night. Friday’s game is a 7:30PM EST start.
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