Canadiens vs Panthers Recap: An Exceptional Road Trip

Habs end “exceptional” road trip with win in Sunrise.

FLORIDA PANTHERS 7-13-6 20 points 15th in the East	MONTREAL CANADIENS 17-5-4 38 points 1st in the East
2 16 SOG	5 38 SOG
BB&T Center, Sunrise, FL March 10, 2013

Lineup notes

Habs starting six: Tomas Plekanec, Michael Ryder, Brian Gionta, Josh Gorges, P.K. Subban, Peter Budaj

Scratched: Brandon Prust (shoulder), Tomas Kaberle

What you need to know

The Canadiens had a strong start with Florida goaltender Jacob Markstrom looking shaky from the outset. Montreal led 2-0 after the first period. Habs fans held their collective breath fearing a second period letdown – but it did not arrive on this day. Montreal pumped two more goals past the Florida goaltender to take a 4-0 lead after 40 minutes.  The Canadiens fourth goal was scored by defenseman Francis Bouillon who picked up his first  of the season.

About eight minutes into the third, Bouillon got another, this time firing a shot past Peter Budaj into his own net breaking his shutout. After a second goal by the Panthers, Michael Ryder closed out the scoring for his second of the night.

Montreal improved their record to 11-1-3 in their last 15 games.

The Canadiens planned to spend the night in Florida on the occasion of the annual rookie dinner. Alex Galchenyuk, Brendan Gallagher, along with recent callups, Gabriel Dumont and Greg Pateryn were slated to be on the hook for the bill.

Game leaders

Michael Ryder  2 G, 1A, plus-2
P.K. Subban  3A, plus-2
Brian Gionta  1G, 1A, plus-2
Tomas Plekanec 2A, plus-2
Brendan Gallagher  1A, 7 SOG

Scoring summary

NHL Three stars

1.  Michael Ryder
2. P.K. Subban
3. Brian Gionta

Injury report

No new injuries.

Goaltending

PANTHERS		CANADIENS
Jacob Markstrom Loss	Record: (L) 1-4-1 SA: 38 Sv%: .868	Peter Budaj Win	Record: (W) 4-1-1 SA : 16 Sv%: .875

Post-game chatter

► Coach Michel Therrien: 

• “No matter what happened tonight it was going to be a good trip but we had a chance to make it exceptional. It shows a lot of character.”
• “We were dictating the game, we were pushing the pace, we were tough to play against. I’m really impressed.”
• “It was a good time. It was a demanding time. And I think that this type of trip solidified the team spirit. The way we got success on the road is good for their confidence.”
• On Francis Bouillon’s own goal: “What a great shot it was! Might put him in front of the net for the next power-play.”

► P.K. Subban:

• “We’re rolling when we stick to the game plan and playing that way gives us success. That’s getting pucks deep and being hard on the forecheck — being a tough team to play against.”
• “The Boston game for us was a big test. We knew that they are a good team, one of the teams at the top of the conference and obviously its a rivalry team to us. We wanted to send a message not only to ourselves but also to the Boston Bruins and the rest of the teams in the league that we can compete.”
• “Our success isn’t a fluke. When we play our game and stick to our game plan, we’re one of the best teams in the league.”

► Puck’s take:

• Another correct pick! Click the link to watch Puck the Bunny’s prediction.

► Habs Tickets:

• With a games against the Ottawa Senators and New Jersey Devils upcoming, click the link to find the best selection of Montreal Canadiens tickets.

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