Montreal Canadiens Hurricanes Game

If last Thursday’s game against the Carolina Hurricanes was any indication, the performance of the Montreal Canadiens could benefit from a generous dose of energy.

On November 24^th, the Bell Centre was alive with the habitual cheer and unquenchable excitement of Habs aficionados. Unfortunately, it appears the sheer passion of the Canadiens devotees simply could not reach the ice, as the team’s performance failed to reach the heightened intensity that fans are accustomed to.

The first goal of the night occurred halfway through the first period, when Swedish centre Elias Lindholm bested Carey Price to the tangible dismay and resounding silence of the audience. However, Carolina’s lead was short-lived as Andrew Shaw scored moments after Lindholm’s goal.

Throughout the first and second periods, the fallacies in the offence of the Montreal Canadiens were obvious; the team was backed into a corner all night and the puck was barely in the territory of the Hurricane. The poor offence of the Habs resonated throughout the audience, which became tamer as the night progressed. In fact, the team’s signature determination was only perceptible as the clock counted down the last minute of the second period.

Max Pacioretty added a much-needed sense of exhilaration when he scored 13 seconds into the third period. While Pacioretty’s goal secured the 2-1 victory for the Montreal Canadiens, it should be noted that Hurricanes goalie Cam Ward truly proved his worth when he masterfully blocked a slap shot from Shea Webber during a Habs power play in the third period. Ward also blocked another tremendous shot by Alex Galchenyuk. Speaking of spectacular goaltenders, Price once again proved to be a godsend as he made 31 saves and remained undeterred by the relatively uninspired performances of his peers.

While the Habs eventually ended the Carolina Hurricanes’ five-game winning streak, the win felt undeserved. For now, the Habs remain confidently atop the standings of the Atlantic Division. But it’s a tight race, with the Tampa Bay Lightning and Ottawa Senators trailing just behind. If the Canadiens are to secure a spot in the playoffs, they must learn to bring their raw energy and passion to every game they play.

Now, the team will prepare for a short stint on the road. On November 29^th, the Habs will go head-to-head with the Anaheim Ducks at the Honda Centre. Then, the Tricolor will continue their travels by playing at the home arenas of the San Jose Sharks, the Los Angeles Kings, and the St. Louis Blues. The next time the Habs will play at the Bell Centre will be against the New Jersey Devils on December 8^th and of course, there is always the ultimate rival game, Boston Bruins versus the Habitants on December 12^th , a game not to miss.