On a night that the Montreal Canadiens honored the Stanley Cup dynasty of the late 1970s, they played one of the worst first periods of the season. Things only snowballed, culminating in a 7-2 loss to the New York Rangers at the Bell Centre.
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Whether it was Sam Montembeault getting the first pull of the year or another questionable hit from Rangers captain Jacob Trouba, the only highlight of the night belonged to Nick Suzuki, who had had the two goals for Montreal.
It’s only the first of three meetings this year, but it’s safe to say that this Original Six rivalry is just heating up.
Canadiens Not in the Same League as Rangers
Last year, the Rangers won the Presidents’ Trophy as the league’s best team and came within a few wins from the Stanley Cup Final. Backed by Vezina Trophy winner Igor Shesterkin, it’s clear how superior New York’s lineup is compared to the second-youngest team in the NHL, Montreal.
As the highest-scoring team in the league this season, the Canadiens didn’t have an answer for their potent attack. Yes, things got interesting when it was 4-2, but the Rangers just upped their game on Cayden Primeau, who came in for a relief appearance.
Led by a veteran Stanley Cup-winning coach, the Rangers have an elite offensive attack and can beat you with points from all four lines. Despite their inexperience, Montreal, like any other club, found it difficult to bounce back when they fell behind 4-0.
Trouba Will be a Marked Man Next Time
Trouba has a lengthy history of questionable hits throughout his career, and Tuesday night was no exception. While maintaining a 5-2 lead, the Rangers captain laid out Canadiens Justin Barron with another headshot, one for which he didn’t even receive a penalty.
Meanwhile, Barron had to leave the contest, and Trouba only ended up in the penalty box because he had to fight Mike Matheson, who challenged him while sticking up for his fallen teammate.
The Canadiens don’t play the Rangers again until Nov. 30, and you can bet no one will forget this hit by Trouba. Although Arber Xhekaj did not skate on Tuesday, you can bet he’ll draw into the rematch at Madison Square Garden.
A Throw the Tape Away Kind of Game
Players and coaches usually talk about burning the game tape and moving on without watching the footage when a team gets blown out. As discouraging as Tuesday night’s 7-2 loss is, there’s nothing to dissect.
The Rangers are one of the top three teams in the NHL, and the Canadiens are loaded with talent, but they are young and will just use this latest defeat as a learning experience. The tables will be turned in a few years, and Montreal will have the upper hand again in the rivalry.
As mentioned, Suzuki netting two goals is the most favorable outcome from the latest loss. However, outside of a few statistical victories, like faceoffs and hits, the Rangers dominated the game from start to finish, and it’s best for Montreal to just move on and focus on their next game.
Canadiens & Rangers Trivia Answers
How did you score in our Game Day Trivia quiz? Here are the answers.
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Jean Beliveau
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Bernie Geoffiron
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Brian Gionta
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1979
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Gump Worsley
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Maurice Richard
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Doug Harvey
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Joel Armia
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Carey Price
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Rod Gilbert
Related: Former Canadiens Goalie Makes NHL History
Related: Canadiens Defenseman Departs Game After Questionable Hit From Trouba
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