Montreal Canadiens get lift over Ottawa Senators as Max Pacioretty scores twice in comeback
Montreal Canadiens might have had a tough time against Ottawa Senators up until halfway through the second period in their 2011 National Hockey League (NHL) preseason exhibition matchup, but managed to bounce right back and take the game, 4-3, for the win
on Friday, September 23, 2011.
Montreal’s young shooter, Max Pacioretty made his second appearance after a long break due to a severe injury and concussion sustained during the final months of the previous regular season in a matchup against arch rivals, Boston Bruins.
"I might look like I'm confident, but everyone wants to score goals and is just waiting for that first one", said Pacioretty
Ottawa’s Zack Smith scored back-to-back goals during the first period nearly a minute apart and the second one, shorthanded with Jean-Gabriel Pageau out for high-sticking.
Milan Michale put Senators ahead, 3-0, a little over halfway through the second but Ottawa could not maintain their lead the way they wanted to and Max Pacioretty took advantage of two out of four power play opportunities to score twice, ending the period
down by one.
"I had a lot of opportunities in that first game, but didn't put any in the back of the net so getting that first one was a big relief", added Pacioretty.
The third period had both teams scrambling for a chance to put the puck into the net and it began to look as if Ottawa would be declared the winners, but it was Scott Gomez who fired through Senators goalie, Craig Anderson, with only 37 seconds remaining,
forcing overtime.
Both teams locked down their defences and did not allow a single goal during the five minute extension which ultimately led the game into a shootout decider.
Veteran right winger, Erik Cole, made the shootout deciding shot to give Montreal the victory against Ottawa Senators which had the 17,853 fans in the Scotiabank Place shocked in awe.
Ottawa Senators coach, Paul MacLean, praised Montreal’s defensive mechanisms, which ultimately gave them the win.
"Their blue-line became a huge brick wall", MacLean said. "We gave up the momentum of the game by being a little stubborn at their blue-line".
Ottawa and Montreal are scheduled to go at it again on Saturday, September 24, this time on the Canadiens turf.
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