Pregame:
The Montreal Canadiens and the Calgary Flames face off in their last meeting of 2021. The Habs lost the previous two games, and their playoff hopes diminished. However, they still have a chance to get control of their destiny back with a win. Jake Allen will face Jacob Markstrom. Cole Caufield is making his NHL debut as well.
1st period:
The Habs started with a good pace creating some chances. Caufield had a great opportunity to start the game, but he couldn’t beat Markstrom. The effort paid off when the Canadiens had a five on three halfway through the period. Shea Weber didn’t miss his chance and opened the scoring. Later, the Flames also had a power-play and Elias Lindholm tied the game.
2nd period:
The Canadiens started the period with almost energy, barely creating offence. However, Calgary didn’t take advantage of that and let the Habs believe they could win. Towards the end of the period, Tyler Toffoli capped off one of the only attacking chances Montreal created in the whole period with his 25th of the season.
3rd period:
In the third, the Habs installed the trap and waited for the Flames to commit mistakes. Since the locals weren’t playing with a lot of energy, the strategy worked, and Montreal heng on to win it and take 2 critical points.
Overall, neither of the teams deserved the win, but the Habs did just enough. A better overall effort will be needed on Wednesday against Toronto.
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