On an evening that the Montreal Canadiens honored the Stanley Cup dynasty of the late Seventies, they performed one of many worst first intervals of the season. Issues solely snowballed, culminating in a 7-2 loss to the New York Rangers on the Bell Centre.
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Whether or not it was Sam Montembeault getting the primary pull of the yr or one other questionable hit from Rangers captain Jacob Trouba, the one spotlight of the evening belonged to Nick Suzuki, who had had the 2 targets for Montreal.
It is solely the primary of three conferences this yr, nevertheless it’s protected to say that this Unique Six rivalry is simply heating up.
Canadiens Not within the Similar League as Rangers
Final yr, the Rangers gained the Presidents’ Trophy because the league’s finest group and got here inside a couple of wins from the Stanley Cup Ultimate. Backed by Vezina Trophy winner Igor Shesterkin, it is clear how superior New York’s lineup is in comparison with the second-youngest group within the NHL, Montreal.
Because the highest-scoring group within the league this season, the Canadiens did not have a solution for his or her potent assault. Sure, issues acquired fascinating when it was 4-2, however the Rangers simply upped their sport on Cayden Primeau, who got here in for a reduction look.
Led by a veteran Stanley Cup-winning coach, the Rangers have an elite offensive assault and may beat you with factors from all 4 strains. Regardless of their inexperience, Montreal, like some other membership, discovered it troublesome to bounce again after they fell behind 4-0.
Trouba Might be a Marked Man Subsequent Time
Trouba has a prolonged historical past of questionable hits all through his profession, and Tuesday evening was no exception. Whereas sustaining a 5-2 lead, the Rangers captain laid out Canadiens Justin Barron with one other headshot, one for which he did not even obtain a penalty.
In the meantime, Barron needed to go away the competition, and Trouba solely ended up within the penalty field as a result of he needed to battle Mike Matheson, who challenged him whereas sticking up for his fallen teammate.
The Canadiens do not play the Rangers once more till Nov. 30, and you may guess nobody will neglect this hit by Trouba. Though Arber Xhekaj didn’t skate on Tuesday, you’ll be able to guess he’ll draw into the rematch at Madison Sq. Backyard.
A Throw the Tape Away Type of Recreation
Gamers and coaches normally discuss burning the sport tape and transferring on with out watching the footage when a group will get blown out. As discouraging as Tuesday evening’s 7-2 loss is, there’s nothing to dissect.
The Rangers are one of many high three groups within the NHL, and the Canadiens are loaded with expertise, however they’re younger and can simply use this newest defeat as a studying expertise. The tables shall be turned in a couple of years, and Montreal could have the higher hand once more within the rivalry.
As talked about, Suzuki netting two targets is essentially the most favorable end result from the newest loss. Nonetheless, outdoors of some statistical victories, like faceoffs and hits, the Rangers dominated the sport from begin to end, and it is best for Montreal to only transfer on and give attention to their subsequent sport.
Canadiens & Rangers Trivia Solutions
How did you rating in our Game Day Trivia quiz? Listed below are the solutions.
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Jean Beliveau
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Bernie Geoffiron
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Brian Gionta
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1979
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Gump Worsley
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Maurice Richard
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Doug Harvey
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Joel Armia
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Carey Worth
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Rod Gilbert
Related: Former Canadiens Goalie Makes NHL History
Related: Canadiens Defenseman Departs Game After Questionable Hit From Trouba
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