Montreal Canadiens manhandle Ottawa Senators 6-2 -NHL Update
Montreal has had many victories that were worth boasting about in the 2011-2012 National Hockey League (NHL) regular season, but their most recent against Ottawa as the Canadiens manhandled the Senators, 6-2, certainly gave a new meaning to the term, thrashing.
The Canadiens was entering the Canadian capital on a five game losing streak, with the previous being a disappointing, 4-0, shutout against Winnipeg Jets, but it still did not let Montreal lose their focus as they came right back with a bang.
"I think relief is one word, but obviously we're pleased", new Montreal coach, Randy Cunneyworth, said, after his first victory. "We expected it sooner, but going forward we want it to happen more often. It's no secret: We had it in our minds that we were
going to get the puck to the net".
Zack Smith gave Ottawa a quick boost by adding his 10th goal of the season in the opening two minutes but in an opposite reaction, it triggered a shooting spree by Montreal as Lars Eller equalised the contest on his shorthanded s**t and Tomas
Plekanec and Mike Cammalleri added two more back-to-back to give the Canadiens a commanding lead entering the second period.
Louis Leblanc and Montreal defenseman, P.K. Subban added two more in the next 20 minute period to put the away team at 5-1 5:53 in. Ottawa finally added their second of the night with Jason Spezza scoring his 13th, but it was of no use with Erik
Cole potting the insurance goal with less than six minutes remaining in the third and final period.
"They did a better job in the second period", Spezza said. "You have to give them credit -- they clogged things up a little more, and when you get behind with a good team that plays well defensively and with a great goaltender, it's tough to come back”.
Montreal hope to continue winning with their new found momentum as the Canadiens will be facing off against the Tampa Bay Lightning on Thursday while the Ottawa Senators have some catching up to do as they host the Calgary Flames a day later on Friday.
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