The Montreal Canadiens showed resiliency as they bounced back from Monday’s blowout loss to the San Jose Sharks with a strong effort against the Anaheim Ducks Wednesday night. Unfortunately they were not able to reap the full rewards for their play as they lost 3-2 in a shootout against the Ducks. Despite the loss, the Canadiens can hold their heads up high as there were many encouraging signs from the game as the positives outweighed the negatives.
The teams played to a scoreless draw in the first period with Montreal outshooting Anaheim by a margin of 12-7. There was no back-breaking early goal allowed, the Canadiens were not forced to play catch up. They simply stuck to their game plan and came out ready to play. In the second period the game became much more physical leading to numerous altercations and penalties. After the trade deadline had passed, Canadiens GM Marc Bergevin alluded to the need to pick up former Sharks player Mike Brown off of waivers to add a bit of team toughness. That there were times that he felt the Canadiens were lacking in a bit of bite and push-back. Defenceman Nathan Beaulieu had been the only player who appeared ready to defend to his teammates. It appears the message was finally received by the players as even though Brown did not dress, the Canadiens showed some heart and that they have each others backs. Captain Max Pacioretty led the way, standing up for Greg Pateryn after he was checked into the boards and no call was made. Mike McCarron took on Kevin Bieksa after Lars Eller was caught with his head down by Bieksa. The 6’6… McCarron made Bieksa look small in the fight, not an easy feat. Meanwhile, Alex Galchenyuk had opened the scoring in the second on a one-timer pass from Andrei Markov. Anaheim evened it up when newcomer Jamie McGinn acquired from Buffalo was left unchecked in front of Condon, potting an easy one in.
In the final period and less than a minute in, Galchenyuk scored his 19th goal of the year to give the Canadiens the lead once again. Unfortunately on Anaheim’s fifth powerplay of the game, Corey Perry scored to tie the game as rookie Morgan Ellis was sitting in the box. In overtime Eller had an opportunity to win the game as he had a mostly open net to shoot in from a Galchenyuk pass but hit the outside of the post. In the shootout, Paul Byron and Galchenyuk were unable to score on John Gibson while the Ducks second shooter Jakob Silfverberg managed to get one by Mike Condon. Pacioretty’s shootout luck ran dry though as he elected to deke which was easily stopped by Gibson, thus ensuring the Ducks 3-2 win.
The newly formed line of Galchenyuk-McCarron-Eller led the way for Canadiens on offence. I cannot remember the last time the Canadiens had a scoring line with that much size. McCarron did well in his 13:26 minutes of ice time, creating additional space for his linemates. We’ll see if they are able to build on their momentum against the Kings tonight. Morgan Ellis had a solid NHL debut despite being in the box when Perry scored to tie the game. He played well enough to immediately earn a 2nd NHL game tonight as Victor Bartley will sit again. Stefan Matteau displayed some speed and was aggressive, using his size. Time will tell if Montreal will be the fresh start that he needs.
Jonathan Quick is expected to get the start in goal and the Kings lines should look like:
Lucic-Kopitar-Toffoli Pearson-Carter-Versteeg Brown-Lecavalier-Lewis King-Shore-Clifford
Scuderi-Doughty Muzzin-Martinez McNabb-Schenn
As strong of the game that the Canadiens played against Anaheim, they must build from it if they want any chance in defeating the Los Angeles Kings tonight. Ben Scrivens will get the opportunity to face his one time team as he gets the start for the Canadiens. Mike Brown will get back into the lineup as it is Sven Andrighetto’s turn to sit.
Meanwhile, back in Montreal Carey Price spoke to the media early this afternoon for the first time since he was presented with the Lou Marsh Award in December. Price revealed that he is confident that he can still return to play before the end of the season but with he and his wife expecting their first born at the end of April, it is unlikely that he would play for Canada at the World Championships this Spring. However, barring any setbacks he looks forward to playing in the World Cup this Fall. Here are some quotes from Price himself:
This makes me think Carey Price might not have a basic knee injury. The Habs have seen just about every knee injury. pic.twitter.com/QORlaTwp5v
— Ðrpon Basu (@ArponBasu) March 3, 2016
Carey Price suggests his 2nd injury was not an aggravation of the 1st and says he didn't come back too soon pic.twitter.com/o8kXS5D9QW
— Ðrpon Basu (@ArponBasu) March 3, 2016
"I’m not going to make any timelines...but as far as the way things are progressing it’s looking pretty good… - Price on returning this year
— Ðrpon Basu (@ArponBasu) March 3, 2016
"I feel like the guys have a lot of confidence when I’m back there with them.… - Carey Price.
— Ðrpon Basu (@ArponBasu) March 3, 2016
Uhhh, yeah.
Puck drops at 10:30 EST.
Cheers & enjoy the game! Follow @Jenbcutler