The Canadiens failed to capitalize on their 2 game winning streak before the All Star game break, losing tonight’s game at home 3-1 to the Buffalo Sabres. The loss dropped the Habs record to 0-3 against the Sabres at home this season. Despite Max Pacioretty’s first period break away goal, the team could not hold the lead, allowing Ville Leino to tie the game in the 2nd period, and Paul Gaustad to steal the lead in the third. An empty net goal by Patrick Kaleta with less than 1 minute to goal salted away the game.
The team’s power play sputtered again, missing out on scoring on their one and only opportunity tonight. The penalty kill squad faired better, keeping the Sabres off the scoreboard in all 3 of their opportunities.
This game was as close to a must win game as any that Montreal as seen to date this season. The Sabres were two points behind the Habs before the match tonight. After the Habs loss, the team’s uphill battle towards the playoffs is now a few degrees closer to 90.
HW 3 Stars of the Night
1.Max Pacioretty:1 Goal, 8 Shots on goal, 18:25 TOI
Max played a good game, leading the team in shots, scoring and tenacious play.
2.Carey Price:37 saves, 0.948 SV%
Price played with some flash in the game, particularly in the 1st and 2nd periods, making some big saves. He helped keep his team in the game.
3.PK Subban:+1, 4 Shots on goal, 24:38 TOI
PK played a steady game, with only one noticeable mistake, a slew foot trip which lead to a power play opportunity against.
Honourable Mention: Alexei Yemelin. The rookie defenceman lead his team with 5 hits, delivering a few memorable hits, along with some timely blocked shots, especially on the penalty kill.