by Taylor McIlwaine , Digital Media Producer, All Habs Hockey Magazine
TORONTO, ON. — The puck has officially dropped on the highly anticipated 2015-2016 NHL season and we can all collectively breathe a sigh of relief that Habs hockey is back on our screens and in our lives.
The Canadiens kicked things off in Toronto taking on the Leafs on opening night for the seventh consecutive year. The Habs took the ‘W’, 3-1, over the Leafs, thanks in large part to Carey Price. Sound familiar?
“It’s exciting because our team showed flashes of what we’re capable of doing. We didn’t put together 60 minutes, but it’s definitely inspiring knowing that we’re able to play a certain way. I think when we’re on our game, we’re a very tough team to play against.” – Max Pacioretty
Here’s a look at some of the most talked about moments from the game:
Our local treasure, Carey Price, wasted absolutely zero time giving us the goalie we know and love; first with a save on Boyes, that he made seem like clock work, followed not long after by a beautiful save on Nazem Kadri, despite chaos around his net.
For the second time in as many seasons, Max Pacioretty, our freshly minted captain, scored on his, and the teams, first shot on net.
And just like that our Habs were back on the board for the 2015-2016 season.
Giving credit where credit is due, Leafs goalie and Laval native Jonathan Bernier made some really nice saves, making it harder for the Habs to further their lead.
The second period saw the Leafs putting themselves on the board with a power play goal scored by James van Riemsdyk.
Wednesday’s game will go down in history as the first NHL game to see the newly implemented Coach’s Challenge put into effect by Toronto’s new coach, Mike Babcock, who called into question goalie interference on a second period goal scored by Jeff Petry.
Ultimately the goal was thrown out but that’s okay, 21-year-old Alex Galchenyuk put the team ahead with his third period goal, his first this season and in his new role as centre.
Despite a large chunk of the third period being left to play Babcock pulled Bernier, making room for Captain Max to put away an empty netter, cementing the Habs 3-1 victory over the Toronto Maple Leafs.
As Pacioretty pointed out, there is still inconsistency that needs addressing, but for now we can undoubtedly take solace in the fact that Carey Price is ours.
Next up, The Montreal Canadiens will face off against another great rival, The Boston Bruins, at the TD Garden, 7 pm on Saturday night.