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Canadiens Fall to Bruins in Quebec City |
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The best words of advice regarding your hockey anxiety getting the better of you during the preseason? Chill out. Some goalie said it a while ago, can't remember who or when but I know it was pretty sound advice and he was a pretty decent goalie. It will come to me later.
Anyways.
The Montreal Canadiens squared off against the Boston Bruins last night in a game at the Centre Videotron in Quebec City. Just a quick note, it was unfortunate to not see a jam packed, raucous arena for this game. Quebec City has been long rumoured to get a NHL franchise back, which I full support, and this was a good chance for the hockey fans to send a message that they are thirsty for all things NHL.
That wasn't the case as the game wasn't a sell out, but I have to admit that $75 for the good seats at a preseason game is a bit too much. Not to sound cheap or anything but if it was me taking my family it would have cost $225 in tickets for mostly players I won't see hit the show. Just not an appealing price for product to me.
Now, I realize I just said I was disappointed in the Quebec City turn out then stated I wouldn't pay the price of admission either, but this city wants a team. They should have priced the tickets in a manner that made them a hot, must have item and have that arena rocking on RDS and NHL Game Center broadcasts. Just my opinion on that.
After a scoreless first the Canadiens jumped out to a 2 goal lead early in the second period on Bruins goaltender Malcom Subban. Brendan Gallagher opened the scoring (Morrow assist) 50 seconds into the frame. This was followed up quickly by a net crashing goal by Jeremy Gregoire (McCarron, Juulsen assists) 1:28 seconds later. Things seemed to be going well until Boston forward Jesse Gabrielle scored on Canadiens netminder Al Montoya to cut the lead to 2-1 at 6:53 of the period.
A parade to the penalty box followed the Bruins goal as Jeff Petry (Tripping) and Torrey Mitchell (Slashing) took penalties 25 seconds apart. At 9:26 of the period Boston forward Anders Bjork made Montreal pay by scoring on the two man advantage to tie the game at 2-2.
Montreal was rewarded with a Power Play of their own shortly after Bjork's goal with Zach Senyshyn being sent off for Hooking at 9:59 and this penalty set up the eventual game winning goal... for the Bruins. Bruin Tim Schaller made the most of a short handed chance by beating Zach Fucale at 10:48 of the second.
A scoreless third led to the Bruins victory on the night with netminder Zane McIntyre getting the W stopping 11 of 11 shots and Fucale taking the L after stopping 12 of 13 shots.
I thought the Canadiens played a decent game given the circumstances. It is the very first game of the NHL season, preseason or not, against a team they don't share a locker room with. The rookies and vets looking for contracts seemed nervous and I won't fault them here, I would by preseason game 5 but not here.
Galchenyuk didn't do himself many favours with some of his defensive plays but I don't want to see any regulars going at 110% in meaningless games. It's just not worth the risk, but he will hear about his play for a few days I'm sure (especially a brutal giveaway and weak back check). But lets remember its just preseason and that we all need to chill out. The kid has a hard time with pressure as it is and there's no need to start bearing down on him after a meaningless game.
I was really impressed with Juulsen on the night. He showed more offensive instincts than I thought he would have at this stage of his career and hopefully thats a sign of things to come. He easily has the look of a top 4 defenseman in the making and if he can use that big frame to drive up the wall and get to the net like he showed he might have even higher potential.
I felt Morrow looked like a player that could be a worthy fill in to start the year and maybe be dropped into a second unit PP role at some point, but he has to get organized in his own end. I just had to remind myself to chill out a bit.
Lernout also put in a performance that makes you wonder if he has an outside shot of snagging that 6-7-8 D spot as well. It will be interesting to watch him and Morrow for the remainder of the preseason.
The next game is September 20, 2017 at 7pm at the Bell Centre against the Washington Capitals, who are coming off a loss of their own (4-1 against New Jersey Devils).
The Canadiens are taking to the ice today for in Brossard for another day of practice and preparation for their next game.
Remember, it's just preseason. No need to worry..... yet.
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Montreal Canadiens Blogger • 
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