Carey Price Shuts Out Senators in Montreal Canadiens 3-0 Win
By Emmanuel D
The Montreal Canadiens went up against the Ottawa Senators in their final game before the trade deadline. Carey Price got a shutout in the win and got some assistance from Max Domi who scored twice and Paul Byron who is fitting right into the Habs lineup.
Defenceman Karl Alzner also made his return in the NHL after over a year of playing with the Laval Rocket in the AHL. If anyone has earned a callup, it is Karl Alzner who has been nothing but a professional towards the media and his teammates in a very frustrating situation for him.
First Period
The Montreal Canadiens were coming off an intense OT win over the Washington Capital and Max Domi quickly scored the opening goal of the guy after the first minute of the game with an assist by Paul Byron who now has two points in three games. Domi also breaks a goalless drought. The Canadiens looked to have a much bigger jump in their game than the Senators.
Senators defenceman looked to have gotten injured after colliding into the boards with Brendan Gallagher and Brady Tkachuk tried to fight but both ended up in the penalty box
Max Domi (unassisted) scored his second goal of the night to give the Montreal Canadiens a 2-0 lead continuing his stellar play in the first period.
On their first powerplay of the night, the Canadiens weren’t able to set up anything substantial.
Second Period
Early in the second period, the Montreal Canadiens got a slew of chances on net but Craig Anderson stood tall. Likewise for Carey Price for the Habs
Both teams were playing at a high pace, making for an exciting game. Joel Armia stood out the most with some good scoring chances but lacking in finish.
Carey Price and Brady Tkachuk almost went at it halfway through the second and a few other players also got a shot at him, adding to the excitement of the game. The Senators got the powerplay.
After the game seemed to settle down, Paul Byron scored with a little over two minutes remaining in the second period. His first goal since returning from injury.
Third Period
The third period had a slower pace to it but not without a lack of the Sens and Habs rivalry making appearances every now and then.
Now seems like the right to bring up that this game appears to be the one that Jonathan Drouin has struggled the most in since returning from his injuries. With some odd passes and decision-making, it look like it still might be a while until the young forward gets his groove had with the team. He has yet to record a point since his return as well.
Looking Ahead
Tonight’s game was the last before the NHL Trade Deadine and many questions remain as to who general manager Marc Bergevin may move before 5:00 PM on Monday and it looks like we will have to keep guessing. If anything, the Canadiens should still go the selling router and add on to the Marco Scandella trade but with nothing but rumors to go on, things may be quiet for the Canadiens.
The Montreal Canadiens will return to the Bell Centre on Tuesday night at 7:00 PM to host the Vancouver Canucks.