Canadiens Rolling, Rangers Reeling: Original Six Showdown in Montreal
The New York Rangers escaped Toronto, ending their scoreless drought, but only one point to show for it. Meanwhile, the Montreal Canadiens picked up another pretty overtime win with just three seconds remaining. We got a Rangers team outplaying many despite their rough start, and a Montreal team looking to do something great this year. Both Original Six teams face off in Bell Centre tomorrow night at 7:00 p.m. EST.
Coming off another brutal loss, New York at last found the back of the net last night after a scoreless streak of over 170 minutes. Despite significant relief, they couldn't finish because a brutal mistake in overtime cost them an extra point. New York continues to impress fans with their ability to outplay teams with high expectations each year, but the frustration boils as it continues its trend of getting "goalied". The Blueshirts will most likely face Sam Montembeault, as their backup, Jakub Dobes, was between the pipes just last night. When Montembeault is locked in, he can flash the leather quite a bit. New York will need to figure him out to get back in the win column.
Montreal, however, is starting this season showing fans that last season was no fluke at all. Coming off their first postseason appearance in four years, the Canadiens begin their season 4-1, an incredible sign for what's to come this year. They got the talent to return to the postseason, no doubt, especially with Nick Suzuki leading the way. Cole Caufield currently leads the team with five goals on the season, including his game-winner in overtime last night. This is a Canadiens team showing they'll be dangerous for seasons to come, and they're looking to prove it further against the New York Rangers.
As much as Mike Sullivan can be pleased with the way New York has played these last few games, finding the back of the net is what's important. As many chances as their stars get on the ice, they need to start producing if this team's gonna go in the right direction. Adam Fox currently leads the team with three goals, not something to feel too good about. A defenseman leading their team in scoring while they have a player like Artemi Panarin that still has yet to score this season should tell you how frustrating it's been for New York fans. As good as the opposing teams' goaltending has been against their top six, they need to find a way to score soon if they're to get anywhere this season.
Despite their early playoff exit last season, Montreal brings playoff experience into this season, which is very significant for a team looking to improve. New York's old friend Martin St-Louis has done wonders for this Canadiens team, and looks to only go up from here. Going 1-2 against New York last season, Montreal seems more ready than ever to put some pucks past Igor Shesterkin, despite his dominance. On the other hand, New York continues to search for their groove to begin the season. A good dominant game in Pittsburgh is all they've had to laugh about so far through six games; another win like that is bound to give them some momentum. Another Original Six matchup awaits. Will Montreal continue going up, or will New York at long last begin to go up?
