(MTL @ NYR) Habs Play Terribly, Lose in Overtime

Montreal got out to a 3-0 lead and then proceeded to collapse defensively.

Coming off Jacob Fowler's first win against the Penguins, Montreal was in New York to take on the Rangers. The Rangers have been struggling to win and score at home, so if Montreal was able to get out to a lead, they should've been able to win.

The Habs did just that, getting off to a 3-0 lead, somewhat fortunately. They then decided to stop playing hockey, losing 5-4 in overtime.

1st Period:

Montreal got hemmed in the first ten minutes of the period, not even mustering a shot on goal. They would keep looking for the perfect pass, and when they did get a shot, they would miss the net. They were very lucky not to be trailing.

When they did hit the net, they would score. On their first shot on net, Bolduc redirected a pass from Suzuki to put them up 1-0.

On their second shot, Xhejai threw a shot from the point. With bodies in front, the puck beat Shesterkin to make it 2-0 Habs.

Just a few minutes later, Evans went shortside to make it 3-0. On just their sixth shot, they had 3 goals. There was no life in the building, and the Habs looked like they were gonna cruise to the intermission.

Unfortunately, they did not. Hutson took a penalty with just over three minutes to go. They almost killed it off, but Xhejai couldn't clear the zone, and the Rangers scored to make it 3-1.

Somehow, 19 seconds later, Panarin got behind the entire defense to get a breakaway. Dobson was forced to hook him and create a penalty shot. Panarin scored to make it 3-2.

The period ended there. 3-0 lead almost wasted.

2nd Period:

Josh Anderson scored on a beauty pass from Hutson to make it 4-2. Shesterkin looked shaky, but the Habs refused to put more shots on goal, only mustering 3 for the rest of the period.

The Rangers scored twice in quick succession on just terrible defense. On their fourth goal, Miller was left wide open in front of the net, like wide open. Matheson was standing still.

The game was tied 4-4 after two periods.

3rd Period:

Montreal arguably played its best defensive period of the game in the third, although it was still pretty bad. They only allowed five shots, but they only had 5 as well.

The Rangers scored briefly, but it was called back since the player obviously kicked it in.

The Habs survived to force overtime, and pick up a fortunate point.

Overtime:

Montreal had a couple of chances, including a breakaway, but kept missing the damn net.

Evans took a penalty (bit of a soft call) halfway through overtime. Miller beat Fowler on a one-timer to win the game for the Rangers.

5-4 Habs lose in OT.

Thoughts:

Some people are blaming the officials for the loss. They weren't great, but the Habs only have themselves to blame for the loss. When you're up 3-0, you shouldn't lose that game. You especially shouldn't be giving two goals with a minute to go. I don't get how they're allowing breakaways, odd-man rushes, and people wide open in front of the net when leading.

Fowler wasn't as good as last game, but he's getting no help. All the Rangers' goals in regulation were right in front of the net. They need to fix their defensive play; it's so bad right now.

And please get more shots on goal. With how shaky Shesterkin looked, we should not be getting only 17 shots. They keep looking for the perfect play instead of just shooting the puck. At least they're getting depth scoring now.

Hab of the Night: Lane Hutson

He could've won it last game, so I'll give it to him today. 2 assists, including a beauty to Anderson.

Mind you, the penalty he took in the first ignited the Rangers' comeback.

Next Up: Vs Oilers

We face their backup, Calvin Pickard. Please get shots on him. And they need to play way better defensively, or they will lose.

Article by Jacksen MacLean.