For the first time this season the Montreal Canadiens needed Carey Price to steal a victory. He did so in convincing fashion as he backstopped the team to a 2-1 win over the Toronto Maple Leafs stopping 37 of 38 shots. Alex Galchenyuk opened the scoring in the second period as he one-timed a perfect pass from new linemate Alexander Radulov. Nazem Kadri would score on a Leafs powerplay in the same period to tie the game. Shea Weber restored the lead for Montreal as he blasted his third power play and game winning goal of the season past Frederik Andersen in final period of play.
Despite the low score, this was one exciting match to watch. The pace of the game was quite fast as the young Maple Leafs showed off their speed and skill. The Canadiens defence was not as strong as they have been at transitions from their own end to offence. While the team attempted to keep up with their opponent, at times it was quite evident that this was the Canadiens fifth game in eight nights and so understandably they were not as fresh. Fortunately for them, Carey Price alone was certainly worth the price of admission and the two goals that the Canadiens scored was all that he needed to ensure the win.
Puck props and flops:
Prop:
Carey Price - The first star of the night and future repeat Vezina winner was outstanding against the Leafs. There can no longer be any doubt that Price would be able to return to form this early in the 2016-2017 NHL season. He is 100% healthy and back to being the best goaltender in hockey. Price makes the hard saves look easy and the difficult saves spectacular. The rest of the league should be very nervous…
Overly dramatic saves are the best kind of saves. pic.twitter.com/mvcXQwPB6d
— Marc Dumont (@MarcPDumont) October 30, 2016
Prop:
The Maple Leafs young guns - William Nylander has an excellent game while Mitch Marner and Auston Matthews served notice that the Canadiens will have their hands full with them for years to come. The Canadiens and Leafs rivalry has been complacent the past few years but there is renewed hope that it will begin anew with this new crop of players and proper management. It is better for hockey and the NHL when the Leafs are competitive and they are not far away from being a playoff team. They need help on defence and the book is still out on Andersen but the components are there.
Flop:
Forward ice time distribution - It is understandable that penalties can affect a player's ice time but when you have a first line like Galchenyuk, Radulov and Brendan Gallagher who clearly have chemistry, scored the opening goal and set up the winning goal, they need to play more at even strength. Tomas Plekanec had the most even strength time of all centers with 14:57 minutes. Galchenyuk, Torrey Mitchell and David Desharnais all played between 11-12 minutes at even strength with Galchenyuk checking in with the lowest at 11:12 minutes. Yes, the Canadiens are succeeding by rolling four lines. However, when they need more offence they have to be able to lean a little more on their top line who is certainly capable of doing so.
Prop:
Canadiens power play - Weber blasted his third power play goal of the season with an absolute bomb as the Canadiens were on a four vs. three. Having him and Radulov on the point in that situation is such an advantage for the team. The defending players still have to respect Radulov which creates just enough space for Weber to unleash his shot. Kirk Muller has so many more options to work with and so far he is making almost all of the right decisions.
Prop:
Galchenyuk and Radulov - Fans have been salivating for the duo to be united ever since they worked to score a goal together in the preseason. Their combined talent is off the chart and Radulov is exemplary in his dedication to play at both ends of the ice and his relentless pursual of the puck. So far they have been able to produce in every game they have had shifts together. What a treat for fans.
I enjoy makin these GIFs! After 40 mins this #Habs Goal is the difference. Galchenyuk @AGally94 assisted by Radulov & Beaulieu @natebeaulieu pic.twitter.com/rkLIppFU4U
— HabsHappy: JeSuisCH (@HabsHappy) October 30, 2016
Flop:
There was not one Canadiens player who stood out as being particularly bad on this evening. However, at various times Andrei Markov and Alexei Emelin in particular struggled with the Leafs speed and getting the puck back out to the forwards. This will be a cause for concern against faster teams this season and will need to be monitored. Emelin is playing well for the most part with Weber but perhaps at times Nathan Beaulieu could have been rewarded for his strong play with a few additional shifts.
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