Ann 2Game 2 Review: Canadiens Top Sabres 2-1 In OT
October 5th 2009 02:09
Gionta celebrating his game-winning goal
For the second time in as many games, the Montreal Canadiens escaped with an overtime win against division rivals. After Josh Gorges against the Leafs on Thursday, it was Brian Gionta who scored the winning goal against the Sabres on Saturday.
Once again, the Canadiens had a difficult start to the game. Just three minutes into the contest, the Sabres already led 1-0 thanks to a powerplay goal by Tim Connolly. The Habs were outshot 12-5 in those opening tenty minutes, and things would only get worse from there.
Indeed, Travis Moen's shorthanded equalizer was the only bright spot in the second period as the Habs would lose Ryan O'Byrne and Glen Metropolit to injuries. Down to five defensemen and three centers, the visitors had no other choice but to grind it out until the end.
The third period was painful to watch independently of who you were rooting for. Both teams seemed afraid of making the mistake that would lead to what would probably turn out to be the deciding goal. Although the Canadiens were okay defensively, Ryan Miller wasn't bothered at all during that period, having to stop only one shot during the entire twenty minutes of play despite the fact that Montreal were awarded two powerplays during that span. As a matter of fact, the shot count was 35-17 Buffalo after three periods. In overtime, the Canadiens capitalized on their second shot as Gionta hit the puck in mid-air after a rebound off the back-wall to give the Canadiens the win.
So, the Canadiens have stolen their second game of the season. The good news is that the team is showing some character after those two games. The bad news is that players seem to be dropping like flies. After Markov (who will be out for three to four months), the Habs now have lost defenseman Ryan O'Byrne for six weeks while Glen Metropolit will get re-evaluated tomorrow. Furthermore, the team's performance these past two games doesn't bode well for their first trip out West next week where they'll face the Flames, the Canucks and the Oilers. I have feeling that Carey Price will have to keep standing on his head for the Habs to bring a decent haul of points back home.
My 3 Stars:
3. Brian Gionta
2. Travis Moen
1. Carey Price
| 37 |
| Vote |
Add To: 
subscribe to this blog
