Blue Jackets hand Canadiens first regulation loss of 2016-17 season
The Montreal Canadiens historic start is over after a 10-0 regulation loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets.
Entering Friday, the Montreal Canadiens were looking to continue a historic start to their season. They had gotten a point in each of their first 10 games. However, the Columbus Blue Jackets came ready to play, as Montreal’s issues became prevalent in a 10-0 loss.
Most of their issues have been well hidden by star goaltender Carey Price. Even backup goaltender Al Montoya did a great job while the Vezina Trophy winner was sick to start the season.
Entering Friday, the Habs had 14 goals allowed in the 2016-17 season. That number increased by over 50 percent in one game against the Blue Jackets. Putting it in perspective, Montreal went from the fewest goals allowed in the NHL to tied for the sixth fewest despite having a five-goal lead over the second place team.
They went from having a +20 goal differential to a +10 goal differential. It was a rough night for Max Pacioretty, David DeSharnais, and Brendan Gallagher. Each of them ended the evening with a -3 plus-minus.
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Montoya had a terrible night, allowing more goals in the game than Price has allowed in six games all year (seven). Worst of all? Montreal has to face the NHL’s highest scoring offense on Saturday when they face the Philadelphia Flyers.
For much of the season so far, Price has been outstanding. Having an elite goaltender is never a bad thing, but it can at times lead to complacency. While an elite goalie can hide your flaws, this is not always a good thing. Sometimes it’s bad because you don’t realize your team’s flaws until it’s too late.
Columbus’ 10 goals are tied for a franchise record for a single game. They got two goals each from Cam Atkinson, Josh Anderson, Scott Hartnell, and Nick Foligno. Fifteen of their players got at least one point.
So what went wrong for the Canadiens? It isn’t all Montoya’s fault because Montreal allowed numerous high danger chances, especially on the penalty kill. Columbus scored four goals on the power play. They are a lethal team when given an extra man, so Montreal’s decision to commit dumb penalties was baffling to say the least.
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Once again, it looks like Montreal is relying a bit too much on Price and their goaltending to be great. That might work in the regular season, but it tends not to work in the postseason.