(Photo Credits: SF Gate)
By: Liz Rizzo | Follow me on Twitter: @pastagrl88
Old rivalries die hard and tonight things got heated at the Bell Centre as Boston played the second of their back-to-back. The Bruins were looking to carry over their momentum from the previous win over the Pittsburgh Penguins, however lady luck would not be on their side as they played North of the border.
Game Recap
Montreal opened the first period up as Victor Mete got the Habs on board with a wrist shot at 1:13. However, with five minutes left in the first, the Bruins would tie things up as David Pastrnak slapped his 15th goal of the season past Carey Price. As defensive skills were breaking down Boston’s end, Tomas Tatar would net a wrist shot in the Bruins goal, making the score 2-1. Boston would try to continue to find their legs, but the Habs took advantage as Paul Byron cushioned the lead late in the first, making the score 3-1.
With the second period underway, the boys in Black and Gold would mount a comeback when Connor Clifton sent a wrister in the Habs net. Boston would later tie in the second as Anders Bjork netted one in after a pass from Charlie McAvoy. Unfortunately, seconds later Victor Mete would score his second of the night, putting Montreal back in the lead 4-3.
Things started to shift for the Bruins as they opened up in the third period. Sean Kuraly would tie the game 4-4 when he sent a wrist shot in the back of the Habs net. With momentum swinging back and forth, Boston looked to have taken the lead when Charlie Coyle jammed one in, however, the goal was reversed for being offside after a coach’s challenge.
With the score still tied at 4-4, Montreal would once again gain the lead when Ben Chiarot sent one sailing in Boston’s net. The Bruins made one final push, only to close the game with a final score of 5-4. Tonight’s loss marks their second regulation loss of the season as Montreal ended their six-game win streak.
Game Stats
The Bruins are still first in the Atlantic Division with an 11-2-2 record with Montreal improving to an 8-5 record, fifth in the Atlantic Division. David Pastrnak continues to sizzle as he extended his game streak to 13 games. Tuukka Rask made 26 saves while Montreal’s Carey Price made 21 saves. Boston had 25 shots on goal while Montreal had 31.
History In Montreal
Bruins Captian Zdeno Chara hit a historical milestone as he played his 1,500 game tonight, becoming the 21st player and sixth defenseman in NHL history to play that many games. Chara made his NHL debut in 1997 when he suited up for the New York Islanders.
(Photo Credits: Harry How/Getty Images)
The 42-year-old Slovakian-native is in good company; he joins Hall of Famers Ray Bourque, Chris Chelios, Scott Stevens, Larry Murphy, and Nicklas Lidstrom as the only defensemen to hit 1,500 games. Chara is one of the very few active players to hit that benchmark. He is also the third player not born in North America to reach that record (Jaromir Jagr and Nicklas Lidstrom being the other two).
“It’s very humbling. It’s something that I will cherish and remember for the rest of my life. Obviously very proud of it too…I have so many people that I should be thanking – obviously starting with my parents. They did such a great job of raising me and so much sacrifice for me to be able to play hockey.
“My family, my wife, my children – there are so many people. I’ve been very lucky. Very grateful that I’ve been able to be in the right place at the right time and get to know some very special people along the way.
“All of my teammates, coaches…they’ve been tremendously helpful, and I wouldn’t be playing the game without them. It’s a special, special night.”
Boston will have a few days off as they travel to face the Detroit Red Wings this Friday at the Little Ceasars Arena.
WHEN TO WATCH: Friday, November 8th with puck drop at 7:30 PM
WHERE TO WATCH: NESN, NHLN, FS-O
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