The Montreal Canadiens took on the Toronto Maple Leafs for the second time this season last night. Their first encounter was about as wild as a hockey game can get, this one was not quite as exciting, but led to two Habs points.
The Montreal Canadiens hosted the Toronto Maple Leafs last night in a classic matchup on Hockey Night In Canada. The two teams met three weeks ago in one of the wildest games we are sure to see this season. They Canadiens came back from a 4-1 deficit to take a 5-4 lead in that game. Only to blow the lead in the dying minutes and then win the game in a shootout.
Last night’s game wasn’t quite as exciting. The Canadiens got off to a great start, outshooting the Maple Leafs 19-5 in the opening period. Goals from Brendan Gallagher and Jonathan Drouin gave the team a 2-0 lead, but Jake Muzzin snapped a one-timer buzzer beater by Carey Price to make it 2-1 before the end of the frame.
The Maple Leafs played well in the second period and were able to tie the game on a scramble goal in front of Price. Andreas Johnsson got his stick on a loose puck in front and it hit the back of the net to tie things up heading into the final frame.
Joel Armia gave the Canadiens a lead just seven seconds into the third period, and it would prove to be the winning goal. Drouin and Nick Suzuki would add insurance markers later in the period and Price would shut the door on the Maple Leafs, giving the Canadiens a convincing 5-2 victory.
Like usual, the Canadiens rolled four lines and did not lean too heavily on any one line. It took contributions from everyone in the lineup to get these two points.
Having said that, there are always players that stand out, especially in a 5-2 victory. Here are the Habs three stars from last night’s big win over the Toronto Maple Leafs last night.