Montreal Canadiens Kept Pace With Leafs, Despite Shootout Loss
The Montreal Canadiens lost their opening game of the season in a shootout against their rival Toronto Maple Leafs. Despite the loss, there were many moments throughout the game that gave reason for optimism for Habs fans.
Jake Evans opened the scoring, getting the Canadiens first of the season on the back of a great individual effort. He refused to quit on the play and slipped a nice shot into the top of the net. He had a solid night overall, and the goal is great for his confidence.
Arber Xhekaj fought Ryan Reaves after he hit Kaiden Guhle from behind into the boards. It was a spirited scrap, although neither combatant landed any significant jabs. Xhekaj was also very strong with the puck, and his mobility was impressive. The progression is evident, and he could play himself into a top-four role if the strong play continues.
Alex Newhook scored his first with his new team early in the second period, assisted by Juraj Slafkovsky and Kirby Dach. Slafkovsky made a sweet two-foot pass on his backhand on a tee for Newhook. The newest Canadiens skater made no mistake sliding a quick shot into the net, getting his prints on the scoresheet in his regular season debut with the Canadiens.
The fourth line was fast and kept the Leafs defence on their toes. They found great chemistry, and their speed was a refreshing sight, it kept the Leafs busy. There could be many moving parts throughout the season, but this trio deserves another game or two, if their performances have anything to say about it.
After the Leafs challenged the play for offside, Cole Caufield had a goal called back. He was flying the whole night, and it felt like it was only a matter of time before he cashed in one of his shots. In the third frame, he got his redemption, firing a sweet wrist shot in the slot past Samsonov.
Slafkovsky made another smart play with the puck and connected with Dach who set up Xhekaj who fired a wrist shot on the net. It was Newhook who finished off the pretty play, tipping the puck past Ilya Samsonov. Each player on this line had a great night, and the growth will be fun to watch throughout the year.
Jesse Ylonen was given the puck on a platter, after Rafael Harvey-Pinard made a textbook play, pinning the attacker on the boards before starting the play. Ylonen showed off some tremendous puck skills, deking to his backhand before roofing a slick shot past Samsonov for the Habs’ fifth goal of the night. Ylonen, Harvey-Pinard and Jake Evans all had strong nights,
Jake Allen’s performance wasn’t great, but neither was his counterparts. It was a 5-5 game after 60 minutes. It’s the first game, but the hope is that he can lower the goals against.
Suzuki and Caufield were the Habs’ first two shooters, but both failed to score. Dach missed on his final attempt, and the Leafs won 6-5, Mitch Marner was the hero. The outcome is a bitter pill to swallow, but the Habs hung with a team with very high expectations and a few well-paid players.
The first game showed a lot, and there were plenty of great performances. The penalties played a big part in how the game went, and the Leafs’ power play was in top shape. Slafkovsky played a ridiculous game, and that in itself is a sign of things moving in the right direction.
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