Summary
The Canadians may have taken advantage of a long break to recharge their batteries, it did not change their troubles on the ice.
Brad Marchand scored three times and the Boston Bruins defeated the Montreal team 5-1 on Wednesday night at TD Garden.
The Canadian was on his first outing since January 1, but was downgraded by a rival in full possession of his means. The Habs finally cashed a fourth loss in a row (0-3-1).
Nine players returned to play in the Canadiens camp, including goaltender Jake Allen. However, the New Brunswick goaltender’s night of work lasted only 5:11 pm, as he was injured on the Bruins’ opening goal. Samuel Montembeault took over a little later.
Other players returning to the Habs camp following treating injuries or defeating COVID-19 were forwards Artturi Lehkonen, Mike Hoffman, Laurent Dauphin, Christian Dvorak and Joel Armia, as well as defenders Ben Chiarot, Jeff Petry and Chris Wideman.
Michael Pezzetta scored the Canadian’s only goal (7-24-4). Allen allowed two goals on seven shots, while Montembeault gave up three times on 34 shots.
Curtis Lazar also hit the target in addition to amassing two assists.
Urho Vaakanainen scored a first NHL goal for the Bruins (20-11-2), who have won six of their last seven games. Patrice Bergeron had two assists and Linus Ullmark turned away 24 shots.
The Bruins lost to defenseman John Moore midway through the second period with an upper body injury.
The Canadian will play once more on Thursday when he visits the Chicago Blackhawks.
We know the song
The Canadian played energetically early in the game, but the tide quickly turned in the Bruins’ favor at mid-period.
Marchand finally got the ball rolling with 5:17 left on the first twenty. He was forgotten at the mouth of the net and deflected a Tomas Nosek handover into the opening. On the streak, Allen appeared to injure his left leg or groin.
Allen stayed in the game and was beaten by Marchand a second time just 15 seconds later. This time, the plague of the Bruins took advantage of a favorable leap from the band to surprise the Habs goalkeeper.
Montembeault finally came over to Allen during a commercial break. The Bruins greeted him by continuing their assault on the Habs net and Lazar was credited with his third goal with 50 seconds left in the throw-off. A shot from Jake DeBrusk deflected on his skate before landing in the goal.
Things continued to tumble for the Habs in the second period. Marchand completed his shorthanded hat trick at 7:10, enjoying a comeback despite being surrounded by three rivals.
The Canadian finally started spending a little more time in the opposing zone followingwards. Pezzetta flew at 10:46 with a precise shot by pivoting on himself in front of the net.
Pezzetta continued to fire flames moments later. He applied a severe check to defenseman Matt Grzelcyk and Bergeron was punished for attempting to attack the Canadiens forward.
Coach Dominique Ducharme rewarded Pezzetta by using him on the power play in place of Armia, benched from an effortless retreat on the Bruins’ fourth goal.
Dauphin came a few inches to close the gap to two goals in a shorthand, but he hit the post.
The third period was just a formality, except for a few scuffles.
Wideman might get a call from the NHL Player Safety Department. He headed Erik Haula in a scrum.
Nosek does the job for Marchand, an inconvenience for Allen
A second for Marchand in 15 seconds, Allen still in bad shape
Allen leaves the match, Montembeault in reinforcement
Allen or Montembeault, no difference. 3-0
Marchand completes his hat trick (pink)
Pezzetta donne vie au Tricolore
Questionable gesture by Marchand on Suzuki
A 1st in the NHL for Vaakanainen