After a disappointing finish to the opening game of the Canadiens’ first-round series, the team responded in a big way Friday night in Montreal. Alexander Radulov’s overtime goal knotted the series up as it heads to Madison Square Garden this evening.
Failing to score a single goal the first time out led to some concern that the Rangers may be able to stifle the Habs’ offence, but game two should certainly have laid those concerns to rest.
The Canadiens managed 58 shots in game two, 20 more than the Rangers could muster through nearly four periods. With a bit of momentum heading on the road, the Habs are well-positioned to take command of the series if they can put on a repeat performance.
How to watch
Puck drop: 7:00 PM EDT / 4:00 PM PDT
In Canada: SN (English), TVAS (French)
In the United States: NBCSN, MSG
Elsewhere: NHL.tv/NHL Gamecentre Live, NHL Center Ice
Tale of the Tape
Tale of the Tape
| Canadiens | Statistic | Sabres |
|---|---|---|
| 47-26-9 | Record | 33-37-12 |
| 2-1-1 | H2H record | 2-2-0 |
| 52.5% | Corsi-for pct. | 47.2% |
| 223 | Goals for | 199 |
| 198 | Goals against | 231 |
| 1.19 | 5v5 goal ratio | 0.81 |
| 19.7% | PP% | 24.5% |
| 81.1% | PK% | 77.6% |
Of course, Friday night was a win that nearly wasn’t. Tomas Plekanec’s tying goal came with just 18 seconds remaining, and the fact that the Habs were so nearly trailing by two in this series should keep the team humble as they head into New York.
The difference maker seemed to be that the Habs found some offence from the players they needed to find it from. Plekanec had a tremendous outing, while Radulov recorded three points on the night. Paul Byron getting on the board early in the post-season should help too, as he carries over his offensive touch from the regular season.
The story heading into this series, though, was the goaltending battle that would ensue between Carey Price and Henrik Lundqvist. That showdown has not disappointed, as both netminders have been sparkling through two games with a .941 and .955 SV% respectively.
It seems Lundqvist has been saving his best for last this season, which is troublesome for the Habs, who traditionally haven’t had as much issue with the King as the rest of the league seems to. Putting four past him on Friday will be a confidence boost, but it can’t be ignored that he turned aside the other 54 shots he faced.
Spirits are high in Montreal, as they should be. The Habs responded to game one with a solid showing and find themselves back where they started, now playing in a best-of-five. If they can pile on pressure like they did late in game two, there’s no reason they can’t take the advantage after three games.
