Goaltenders Dominate In Montreal

Tonight's Eastern Conference match up saw Alain Vigneault's New York Rangers make the trip to Montreal to take on the Canadiens at the Bell Center.

Cam Talbot took net duties for the Rangers but it was the Habs' Carey Price who saw most of the action in the first period, fending off 15 shots while Talbot was only needed seven times.

Both goalies were called into action early in the second period. With the Habs down a man due to Diaz's delay of game penalty, the Rangers upped the ante and Zuccarello forced Price to make a great stretch save. Gionta then made a shorthanded run but was denied by an instinctive glove save by Talbot.

Price was beaten though when at the end of a Rangers 5 on 3 powerplay; Ryan Callahan was able to power a slap shot to give the visitors the lead.

The New York Rangers have taken a while to adapt to Alain Vigneault's new leadership style. Couple this with starting the seaon on an extended road trip due to the MSG's refurbishment and it's easy to see why they've lost so many games.

These days seem to be behind the Rangers now. Vigneault's team dominated the first two periods, chasing the puck at all times and pressuring Montreal on the forecheck.

The second period ended with the Rangers holding a slim lead. Glimpses of hope for the Canadiens though as the team edged more shots than the Rangers, testing Cam Talbot several times.

Chris Krieder was sent to the box with three minutes left in the second. Despite P.K. Subban dictating play for the Habs, the Rangers' committed defence were able to kill off the penalty.

The Rangers tried to apply the pressure early in the third when Brandon Prust tangled with Talbot and took an interference call. The Habs were equal to the visitors' efforts though.

Brassard almost put the Rangers 2-0 up when Brian Boyle made a great run along the boards to tee up Brassard but ended up putting the puck wide and landing on Price. The Bell Center crowd yelled for an interference penalty but none was given.

The fans were vocal again when with 13 minutes left, play was stopped for hybrid icing. Replays showed that the call was good.

P.K. Subban was made to look foolish by Carl Hagelin when a Rangers defensive clearance found Hagelin who raced down the left slot with so much speed that he found himself one on one with Price who was equal to the shot.

With five minutes left in regulation, the Habs were throwing everything at Talbot's net.

After the commercial break the Rangers took the game to the Habs again and Richards forced Price into yet another great glove save. No doubt you'll see that one on NHL.com soon enough.

Despite some desperate play at the end, the game finished 1-0 with the Rangers taking the 2 points. The low scoreline was a fair reflection of the game. Overall neither team dominated play, with committed defending and superb goaltending denying plenty of scoring opportunities.

The Habs will be disappointed, especially as they usually do well against the Rangers at home, but while the boys from New York were able to find the net; the home team seemed to be short on ideas and presence.

Talbot got his first NHL shutout facing 22 shots. Price made 34 saves and was easily the Habs' best player tonight. 

The Rangers are back in action tomorrow when they host the LA Kings while the Canadiens visit Minnesota on Tuesday.