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Canadiens Win Opener, Montembeault with 48-save Shutout | RECAP: TOR @ MTL |
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Montreal Canadiens received a strong performance from their number one goaltender as they opened the 2024-25 campaign with a victory over the Toronto Maple Leafs.
By Rick Stephens, Rocket Sports, Montreal Canadiens Blogger
GAME RECAP | Montreal Canadiens 1 vs Toronto Maple Leafs 0 | FINAL
Canadiens Lineup
Forwards
13 Cole Caufield - 14 Nick Suzuki - 20 Juraj Slafkovsky
15 Alex Newhook - 77 Kirby Dach - 40 Joel Armia
51 Emil Heineman - 71 Jake Evans - 11 Brendan Gallagher
27 Alex Barre-Boulet - 28 Christian Dvorak - 17 Josh Anderson
Defensemen
8 Mike Matheson - 21 Kaiden Guhle
48 Lane Hutson - 58 David Savard
72 Arber Xhekaj - 52 Justin Barron
Goaltenders
Starter: 35 Sam Montembeault
Alternate: 30 Cayden Primeau
Out of the lineup
Scratches: Oliver Kapanen, Michael Pezzetta
Injuries: Carey Price, Rafael Harvey-Pinard, Patrik Laine, Jayden Struble
Game Report
There are game nights where it simply is best to take the win and move on, rather than dissecting details with a fine tooth comb. Fortunately, for the players, they are already looking ahead to Thursday night's contest in Boston. But they all are perfectly aware that the Habs dodged a bullet on opening night at the Bell Centre.
"We can't do that every game, we won't win," said David Savard bluntly. "We're just happy with the two points and we're going to look at how we can improve defensively."
After a somewhat even start to the game, and the Canadiens season, the Toronto Maple Leafs dominated shots, scoring chances and time in the offensive zone. High-danger scoring chances were recorded as 15-3 for Toronto at at 5-on-5 (Natural Stat Trick.)
Montreal goaltender Sam Montembeault was not afforded time to ease into the undisputed number one role this season. The 48-save effort earned the 27-year-old the second shutout of his career. Toronto shooters also rang three pucks off the iron in this contest.
Cole Caufield provided the only goal needed by the home team with the man advantage. The Montreal power play went 0-for-30 in the preseason while the Leafs penalty killers were best during the exhibition schedule.
Quick hits
⦁ Lane Hutson - added a spark to the second power play unit and survived a two minute shift when the Canadiens were bottled up in their own zone.
⦁ Juraj Slafkovsky - picked up the primary assist on Caufield's goal while adding three hits and two blocked shots. And he lost he lid twice!
⦁ Joel Armia - played a strong game on the second line with three shots on goal. Armia was particularly effective on the penalty kill accumulating almost six-and-a-half minutes of special teams play.
⦁ The Canadiens game night staff redeemed themselves in the eyes of many fans with an opening night ceremony that included a full orchestra on the ice.
Up Next
The Canadiens will play their second game of the season by visiting the Boston Bruins at TD Garden on Thursday night. Game time is 7 pm. ET.
Montreal Canadiens Blogger • 
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