The Leafs started the 2nd period like the Habs started the 1st by scoring very early. James Van Riemsdyk scored 19 seconds in on a Leafs powerplay after Brendan Gallagher was sent off for being too mean to Jonathan Bernier. If the Habs were ready to start the 1st period, they were not ready to start the 2nd, as the Leafs almost took the lead on a 2 on 1 seconds after they had scored. It’s quite possible Mike Babcock gave his first of many great speeches this season during the intermission. Thankfully for the Canadiens, Carey Price was able to steer away any danger with calm and control after allowing the Leafs one goal that bounced off two players before finding its way in the net.
The Canadiens would take the lead momentarily on a very nice passing play from Max Pacioretty to Jeff Petry, but it turned out to be goalie interference on Tomas Plekanec after the first ever coach’s challenge was won by Mike Babcock. The Habs would take a penalty on the ensuing play, with Lars Eller being sent of for tripping Nazem Kadri. The Leafs would jump to a 22-14 lead in shots by the end of their powerplay. The Habs would slowly build up some offense, cutting down the shot differential to 23-20, so at least the stats would make it look like they were playing to their potential.
The Habs and Leafs would trade shots and mild chances to play out the 2nd period. This game is a bit too close for my liking. Heading into the 3rd period, the Canadiens will have to depend on Carey Price to keep them in this game against an opponent that would be a surprising playoff participant come spring time, unless the quality of Mike Babcock’s intermission speeches reaches new heights in Toronto.
Scoring Summary
Penalty Summary
Shots
Team Stats
