The Montreal Canadiens conceded three goals early in the third period before losing 6-2 to the Carolina Hurricanes on Thursday at the PNC Arena.
The Habs surprised the powerful “Canes” during the first 40 minutes of play, so that a 2-2 tie remained before the third period. Then, in 2 min 55 s. game, Sebastian Aho, Seth Jarvis and Jordan Staal put the game out of reach for the visitors.
Even if kilometers seem to separate them in the general classification, the two teams started the meeting with confidence. The local favorites had won eight of their previous nine matches, while CH had triumphed in their last three matches.
Dominated 41 to 22 in terms of shots on goal, the troop of Martin St-Louis however saw what wood warmed that of Rod Brind’Amour. The Hurricanes’ big offensive guns responded: Jarvis had a hat trick, Aho had two points and Andrei Svechnikov had three assists.
Already decimated by injuries, the Canadian had to deal all the more without the services of Kirby Dach. The young center, who is experiencing the best moments of his career, had to skip the meeting due to an “illness unrelated to COVID-19”.
Still “HRP”
Thus, one of CH’s greatest offensive drivers was once again Rafaël Harvey-Pinard. Employed in massive attack, the Saguenéen was forgotten in front of the opposing net before deceiving Antti Raanta with a one-timer, tying 2-2. This is his seventh goal in 11 meetings this season.
Previously, Michael Pezzetta had also threaded the needle at the very start of the match. After receiving a precise throw from Rem Pitlick, the sturdy forward hit his own fly return to open the scoring.
Surprising “KK”
It was none other than Jesperi Kotkaniemi who got the ball rolling for the Hurricanes in the first period. Taking advantage of generous defensive coverage from Chris Wideman during a two-on-one climb, the Finn thwarted Samuel Montembeault with finesse.
In three career games against his former team, “KK” has scored two goals and one assist.
RAdm Ward honored
Prior to the game, former goaltender Cam Ward was inducted into the Hurricanes Hall of Fame.
The Saskatoon native, who led the Canes to their only Stanley Cup victory in his first season in the league, is the fourth player to receive such an honor. Ron Francis, Rod Brind’Amour and Glen Wesley preceded him.
In addition to winning the Conn-Smythe Trophy in 2006, Ward has played in 668 of his 701 games with the Carolina squad. He had a 318-244-84 record and a .909 save percentage with the Carolina team.
The CH will visit the Toronto Maple Leafs at Scotiabank Arena on Saturday.
-In addition, defender Justin Barron had to leave the game after suffering a cross-check from Svechnikov.