This season’s second edition of the Leafs versus Canadiens rivalry began with a fitting pre-game video tribute and moment of silence for three-time Jack Adams Trophy winner Pat Burns, who had coaching stints with Toronto and Montreal. It was a sad day for hockey fans alike in both cities, who were mourning the loss of a world class coach, but more importantly, world class person. Both teams wore black stickers on the back of their helmets with the initials ‘PB’ to honour Burns.Tonight’s game began with a fast tempo from both teams and an outstanding display of goaltending by Carey Price and Jonas Gustavsson. Gustavsson stopped all 17 shots he faced in the first period, while Price turned away 10. Montreal help the advantage in scoring chances through the first 40 minutes, led by Tomas Plekanec, who had 4 shots on net in the first period alone. Brian Gionta led all skaters with 8 shots.
The Habs capitalized on an innocent looking play 9:17 into the second period when Jeff Halpern redirected a Jaroslav Spacek point shot to beat Gustavsson for his fifth goal of the season. The Leafs’ goaltender was square to the shooter, but couldn’t slide over in time to stop Halpern. It wasn’t Gustavsson’ fault on the play, but he could have been further out of his crease to limit Halpern’s space to get his stick on the puck.
Several minutes later, John Mitchell came streaking into the attacking zone and clipped Montreal Canadiens defenseman Josh Gorges with a high stick in the corner. He was assessed a high sticking call on the play to put Montreal on the powerplay, which is clicking at a 15% success rate this season. Mike Cammalleri sniped his sixth goal of the season over Jonas Gustavsson with four seconds remaining on the powerplay to give the Canadiens a 2-0 lead.
Gustavsson was visibly frustrated for giving up two goals through the first two periods, despite stopping 34 shots. He recognizes the opportunity in front of him to grab the number one reins from Jean-Sebastien Giguere, as he sits on the sidelines with a groin injury. The Leafs defense was not sharp tonight and didn’t help Gustavsson’s cause.
Nikolai Kulemin had an opportune chance to bring the Leafs within one goal midway through the third period, but backhanded the puck off Price’s stick. The puck sat in the goal crease momentarily, before being quickly snapped up by Montreal. Tyler Bozak and Nazem Kadri also had several clear chances in the slot to drum up some offense, but continue to fire blanks.
Carey Price brought home first star honours – and deservedly so – after stopping all 30 shots he was faced with for his fourth shutout of the season. Jonas Gustavsson came home with second star honours in a 37-save performance, while Canadiens forward Jeff Halpern was named third star.
After winning back-to-back games against the Nashville Predators and New Jersey Devils respectively, the Leafs winning streak was halted against a division rival. Recent impressive play from Luke Schenn and Mike Komisarek was less noticeable tonight. On the other hand, Keith Aulie continued his steady play and positioning in his own end.
Regardless of the loss, Toronto must be given credit for putting together a solid effort in four straight games, spanning back to last Saturday against the Vancouver Canucks. They can’t be criticized for a lack of effort.
The Leafs will regroup from tonight’s loss and prepare for a rare matchup against the Dallas Stars on Monday night. The Stars defeated Toronto 4-3 on an overtime goal by James Neal in the two clubs only meeting last season. Jonas Gustavsson will start his third consecutive game on Monday.
