Radulov MIA
With Alexander Radulov out with a lower body injury following a blocked shot versus the Predators, there were a few adjustments to the line-up heading into Saturday’s game. Though Radulov’s flair, determination, and personality were missed, the Habs played a phenomenal game.
How avante garde of you, Petry
Jeff Petry took a stick to the face early in the first period. Thankfully, the blue liner was able to return to the game following some minor uniform adjustments.
— steph (@myregularface) March 5, 2017
The new guys make an impact
Both Steve Ott and Andreas Martinsen made their debut with the Canadiens against the Rangers. Martinsen was a solid presence, battling for the puck and creating a few scoring chances. Ott, as expected, was good in the face off circle and even got his first assist as a Canadien.
More of the positives
The fourth line was good – like, really good.
4th line creates a nice scoring chance. Lundqvist shuts them down with flair. pic.twitter.com/QieNYqHLcG
— Marc Dumont (@MarcPDumont) March 5, 2017
The numbers speak for themselves: 35 shots on goal with all but four forwards getting multiple shots on net. The Habs went 63% in the face off, and stayed disciplined and out of the penalty box barring one play by Gallagher at the tail end of the third. That’s right – Andrew Shaw did not get a penalty.
1-0 Habs
The first goal was an unexpected one. Following a face off win by Ott, Weber was able to get a quick shot towards Henrik Lundqvist and netted the first of the game.
2-0 Habs
Artturi Lehkonen was finally rewarded with his 12th goal of the season. Following a nearly two month scoring drought, the youngster netted this beauty and couldn’t have been more excited. Lehkonen had five shots on goal, the most for any Habs player for the night.
3-0 Habs
Shaw got his ninth goal of the season after some confusion by Lundqvist.
4-1 Habs
Jordie Benn was a pretty damn good pick-up, huh.
Everyone held their breath…
But don’t worry – Price played the rest of the game in tip-top shape.
Large men colliding. pic.twitter.com/AsVPm1okEH
— Marc Dumont (@MarcPDumont) March 5, 2017
Onto the next one
The Canadiens have won five in a row and are sitting comfortably at the top of the Atlantic. Claude Julien’s system is starting take hold, and it couldn’t come at a better time. The team gets a two day break before taking on the Vancouver Canucks on Tuesday night as part of their west coast swing.
