Montreal Canadiens vs Pittsburgh Penguins: Highlights and Analysis
The recap of the Montreal Canadiens home opening shutout win against the Pittsburgh Penguins.
The game started with the traditional Montreal Canadiens introduction ceremony. Many were cheered but among the loudest cheers from the fans were associate coach Kirk Muller, Captain Max Pacioretty, and Alexander Radulov. The loudest cheer was for Carey Price, who wasn’t playing in the game due to the flu.
Max Pacioretty was also passed the ceremonial torch from Jacques Demers, the Habs former Head Coach. Demers was the last Coach to lead the Canadiens to a Stanley Cup Championship back in 1993. Let’s hope the Habs have that kind of season this year.
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1st Period
The Canadiens came out gate in a hurry tonight. First of all, Jeff Petry made an excellent pass to Max Pacioretty who sniped a wrist shot by Marc Andre Fleury. The play was set up by Alex Galchenyuk, who forced a turnover behind the Penguins net.
Habs Lead 1-0
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After the Habs fast start, it was Pittsburgh who slightly controlled the play. The Penguins had a couple of Power Play opportunities but the Habs were able to kill them off. While Pittsburgh out shot the Canadiens 17-13 in the 1st period.
2nd Period
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The second period started off with the Habs killing off a penalty from Radulov at the end of the 1st period. Al Montoya played spectacularly during that Pens Power Play and continued his stellar play throughout the game making one great save after another.
With about 8 minutes remaining in the period David Desharnais scored his first goal of the season. Max Pacioretty assisted on the goal making an incredible no look pass from the Penguins corner, right to Desharnais in front.
Habs Lead 2-0
3rd Period
The 3rd period started with both teams taking a series of penalties until both teams were at 3 on 3. Max Pacioretty also took one of those penalties, and after the whistle, Pacioretty immediately left the ice for the locker room. Pacioretty couldn’t put much weight on his feet and needed help to get to the locker room.
At 4:31 of the 3rd period Alexander Radulov scored his first goal with the Montreal Canadiens. The goal was assisted by Galchenyuk who made an excellent pass through the neutral zone to get the puck to Radulov. The goal was challenged by Pittsburgh but was upheld as a good goal.
Habs Lead 3-0.
Shortly after the goal Pacioretty fortunately returned to the bench. He then came back for a few shifts and everything seems like he will be okay.
At 13:44 of the 3rd David Desharnais scored another goal, his second of the game. He received a beautiful pass cross crease pass from Jeff Petry while adding his second assist on the night. Andrei Markov also added another assist on the play.
Habs Win 4-0!
Next: Montreal Canadiens Week in Review: 3 Stars of the Week
Habs 3 Stars of the Game
We are also beginning our own version of the Habs 3 stars of the game. The stars of the game will collect points and we will let you know who collected the most star points at the end of the week, month and year. The games first star will earn 15 points, 2nd star 10 points, and the third star 5 points.
First Star- Al Montoya – Earned a Shutout, making 36 saves for the win
Second Star- Max Pacioretty- 1 one goal and 1 assist
Third Star- Jeff Petry- 2 assists