For the second time this season Cristobal Huet has recorded back-to-back shutouts, this time however the second was recorded while facing rookie sensation Henrik Lundqvist who holds the NHL lead in goals against average at 2.05, and is a sure candidate for the Veznia Trophy as the NHL’s top goaltender. Both goalies held their teams in the game at times but it was Huet who was not beaten by any of the Rangers 26 shots. Henrik only allowed one goal on the 24 shots he faced.
Craig Rivet scored the only goal in the hockey game; it was his sixth goal of the season and fifth via the power play. Alex Kovalev and Francis Bouillon drew assists on the goal that came on the Canadiens second power play of the game with under three minutes remaining in the first period. The Canadiens would be unsuccessful on their following four power play attempts. On a positive note the Canadiens successfully killed all four New York Ranger power plays, a power play which is ninth best on the road and features the NHL’s top goal scorer Jaromir Jagr.
The Canadiens controlled the majority of the first period and out shot the Rangers 13-5 creating numerous scoring chances and capitalizing on one of them. The second period was played cautiously by both teams who appeared unwilling to neither give up odd man rushes nor create an of their own. The Ranger out shot the Canadiens 9-5 in the second period. The third period started with a 5 on 3 for the Rangers one that lasted the full minute and forty one seconds, Tomas Plekanec along with Francis Bouillon did a remarkable job clearing the puck, and Cristobal Huet made three saves on deadly point shots from none other than Jaromir Jagr. With the penalty killed Cristobal Huet stood his ground and remained unbeatable for the remainder of the evening earning his fifth shutout of the season.
Three Stars
1. Huet
2. Rivet
3. Begin
Fun Facts
1. Craig Rivet has already amassed 30 points, which is a career best and is just three goals away from a career best in that category.
2. Cristobal Huet has now tied the likes of Martin Brodeur, Dominik Hasek, Manny Legace and John Grahame with five shutouts all the while playing approximately half as many games as those other respectively goalies.
3. For the first time in six games Montreal received less then eight minor penalties.
4. For the first time this season Montreal held Jagr point less in the three first game Jagr had two goals and one assist.