(Montreal) Ilya Samsonov stopped nine shots and the Montreal Canadiens and the Toronto Maple Leafs found themselves in a 0-0 deadlock after one period of play, Saturday night at the Bell Centre.
The first scoring opportunity was generated by the Maple Leafs, who attacked two on one. Samuel Montembeault, however, stopped Matthew Knies’ shot with his shield.
The Canadian then repeatedly threatened the opposing net. Samsonov made many good saves, particularly against the Habs’ first line.
Auston Matthews knocked on the door late in the first period. However, he missed the target on a backhand shot after a good feint. The Maple Leafs forward has scored 63 goals so far this season.
Montembeault also had some luck a few moments later, when Bobby McMann hit the post to his right.
The Habs goalkeeper made four saves during the first 20 minutes of play.
The Canadian was without guards Kaiden Guhle and Arber Xhekaj, both with upper body injuries. Johnathan Kovacevic and Justin Barron, who was recalled from the Laval Rocket, replaced them in the lineup.
Up front, Jesse Ylönen gave way to Tanner Pearson.
For the Maple Leafs, forward Mitch Marner returned to action after a 12-game absence due to a lower body injury.
The Canadian will play again on Sunday evening, when he visits the New York Rangers.