Team C was the Sunday winner with a 5-4 win over Team A at the Montreal Canadiens scrimmage in Brossard.
Mathieu Darche potted two goals and had a breakaway on Carey Price thwarted as time ran out in the first half. Alex Henry, Brendan Gallagher had a goal each, and Andreas Engqvist netted the winner with less than a minute to go. A squad markers came from Alexander Avtsin, Alain Berger, Tomas Plekanec and Erik Cole.
Gallagher had a strong scrimmage session, impressing all in attendance and getting several scoring opportunities.
“Gallagher has a lot of character and a lot of determination,” said Habs coach Jacques Martin. “He goes to the net and is not afraid and has shown us over the years that he has a lot of character and a lot of determination. He reminds me a little bit of a Brian Gionta.”
Unless he makes the team Gallagher will go back to Junior, but the 19-year-old knows to make best of his opportunities. “Every time you’re here you try to play yourself onto the team,” Gallagher said. “I know it’s a long shot, but you try to stay as long as possible and try to impress enough people to earn a contract.”
Alexei Emelin had another strong showing, this time showing some offensive prowess by setting up the Cole tally with a slick pass.
Despite a goal today, La Presse‘s Francois Gagnon, tweeted that Avtsin is young and talented, but lacks the heart and intensity needed to jump to the NHL. In his camp recap, Gagnon praised the work of Jarred Tinordi, Nathan Beaulieu, Gabriel Dumont and Danny Masse through the first two days of drills and scrimmages..
P.K. Subban was not in attendance for Sunday’s scrimmage. “This is a preventive measure for Subban. He had a good workout, for two hours, yesterday and we decided to repeat the same scenario today.” Martin said. “He should play tomorrow.” Ryan White also took a therapy day from the scrimmage and Michael Bournival left the mini-game with a lower body injury.
Martin noted that after Monday’s session, the team will begin making cuts in preparation for pre-season action. The coach also stated that Scott Gomez‘s lower body injury is improving, and remains day-to-day. He will be re-evaluated Monday before returning to the ice.
The Hockey News panel looks at the Habs upcoming season.
If you live near or will be in Quebec City the first on next month, a buddy of mine asked if I could unload a pair of 400 level tickets to the Habs vs. Tampa Bay Lightning at Colisee Pepsi, October 1.
