Montreal Canadiens Home Opener
The Montreal Canadiens returned to the Bell Centre for their first home game of the season, as fans gathered in anticipation despite the disruptions caused by the STM strike affecting transport. Coach Martin St-Louis emphasizes the need for his team to be ready from the outset, yet it’s common for players to shake off preseason rust. Their five-on-three power play significantly reflected this as the new lineup struggled with synchronization, an understandable issue given they had not played together prior to this game.
Game Overview
In the initial period, the Pittsburgh Penguins, although fielding a lacklustre lineup, managed to secure a slim 1-0 advantage while outshooting Montreal 12 to 7. The opening frame was riddled with penalties, which hindered both teams from establishing any flow. One encouraging sign for the Canadiens was their willingness to defend Ivan Demidov; both Noah Dobson and Josh Anderson stepped up when the rookie faced aggressive play. Anderson, adhering to his aggressive style, earned penalties but felt some calls could have gone his way.
Second Period Struggles
As the second period unfolded, things took a turn for the worse for the Canadiens. They struggled to escape their zone and generate offensive chances, with a few opportunities arising late in the period. Despite efforts from Jake Evans, Brendan Gallagher, and Anderson, they could not convert their chances into shots on goal. By the end of the second frame, the Canadiens were only able to muster 15 shots against the Penguins’ 26.
Goaltending Changes
Midway through the game, Jacob Fowler took over goaltending duties for Montreal, allowing only five shots and showcasing solid puck handling. On the Penguins’ side, Sergei Murashov stepped up in net, demonstrating his skills, particularly during a shootout, where he effectively denied Demidov’s attempts to score.
Physical Play and Team Spirit
Tensions flared with Jared Davidson engaging in a fight with Samuel Poulin after a questionable hit on Alex Belzile—an act meant to respond and rally the team. Davidson impressed St-Louis with his unhesitating fight, illustrating his commitment to the team’s spirit.
Third Period Comeback
Gradually, the Canadiens found their footing and demonstrated improved play in the third period, led by rookies. Although their power play failed to convert during a two-man advantage, momentum built as Owen Beck finally found the back of the net early into the final frame, benefiting from continued perseverance despite the play being less than flawless.
In total, the Canadiens recorded 14 shots in the third period, but Murashov stopped all but one; Fowler’s performance ensured the Canadiens remained competitive. The game, though messy for Montreal, significantly aided their goalkeepers ahead of the regular season, with Fowler’s performance in the shootout securing the win despite a challenging match. Demidov may not have shined at even strength, but his remarkable passing during power plays was noteworthy; better finishing could have made a difference. Lastly, Oliver Kapanen had a quieter game but delivered with the decisive shootout goal, sealing the performance for the Canadiens.
Conclusion
This preseason matchup served as an essential testing ground for the team as they gear up for the challenges ahead and address their need for tenacity amid their skilled gameplay.
