Canadiens Lineup

Jonathan Drouin – Max Domi – Andrew Shaw

Tomas Tatar – Phillip Danault – Brendan Gallagher

Paul Byron – Jesperi Kotkaniemi – Artturi Lehkonen

Kenny Agostino – Michael Chaput – Matthew Peca

Brett Kulak – Shea Weber

Mike Reilly – Jeff Petry

David Schlemko – Noah Juulsen

Carey Price – Antti Niemi 

Charles Hudon, Nicolas Deslauriers, Jordie Benn

Joel Armia

Game Report

On paper, the Canadiens had the advantages going into this home date at the Bell centre. The Bruins haven’t played well on the road this season and were without Patrice Bergeron, Zdeno Chara, Tuukka Rask. It was also the second half of a back-to-back for the Bruins having lost a tough match to Buffalo on Sunday with the Sabres scoring the game-winner with just 3:31 remaining.

And the Habs were playing their most bitter rival.

But it was the Canadiens who looked tired and unprepared to start the game. A mental mistake by Michael Chaput just 2:21 in set the tone. Chaput’s mindless pass to the tape of Joakim Nordstrom gave the visitors the only goal they would need. Chaput’s giveaway was one of 14 in the first period alone for Montreal.

After a dreadful first period, there were no signs of adjustments nor renewed life from the Habs. The shot total, 26-13 for Boston after 40 minutes, actually flattered the Canadiens. It wasn’t that close.

Full credit to Carey Price, who was the only player in red to show up for this contest. Price saved 31 of the 35 shots on goal, with 33 of the Bruins missiles being deemed scoring chances.

Despite the shutout, the effort by Bruins starter Jaroslav Halak, wasn’t rated star-worthy, a reflection of the Canadiens anemic attack. Brendan Gallagher said that it might have been the worst game of his NHL career.  He might be right, but Gallagher had plenty of company.

Scoring chances were primarily generated by the line of Jesperi Kotkaniemi, Paul Byron and Artturi Lehkonen. It was a complete no-show for Max Domi and Jonathan Drouin.

That lack of effort extended to the power-play which ran its futility streak to 0-for-25. Coach Julien singled out his best players saying that it is up to them to be better with the man advantage.

We have singled out this upcoming road trip as the Canadiens toughest test of the first half of the schedule. The six-game trip will take the Habs to Colorado, Arizona, Las Vegas, Florida, Tampa Bay and Dallas. Tonight’s stinging loss, one of the worst of the season, was not the way Montreal wanted to finish their 2018 home calendar.

Plus / Minus

▲  Carey Price

▼  David Schlemko, Mike Reilly, Jonathan Drouin, Max Domi, Brett Kulak, Michael Chaput, Matthew Peca, Kenny Agostino, Andrew Shaw, Brendan Gallagher, Tomas Tatar, Phillip Danault