Can the Montreal Canadiens Bounce Back After Narrow Shootout Loss at Amerant Bank Arena?
The Montreal Canadiens, with a record of 10-14, faced off against the Florida Panthers, who held a 15-9 record. The game ended in a nail-biting shootout where the Panthers edged out the Canadiens with a final score of 4-3.
In an intense matchup at Amerant Bank Arena, the Montreal Canadiens demonstrated resilience and skill but ultimately fell short in a shootout against the Florida Panthers. The game was evenly matched from start to finish, with both teams scoring once in each period. The Canadiens' offense managed to put up three goals on 31 shots, reflecting a solid shooting percentage of ten percent. Their powerplay unit capitalized once during their four opportunities.
The Canadiens' goaltender had an impressive night between the pipes despite the loss, saving 32 out of 35 shots for an impeccable save percentage before heading into overtime and shootout where they allowed two goals on three shots. On defense, they were active as well; blocking 19 shots and delivering 27 hits throughout the game.
Montreal's faceoff circle performance was less dominant; they won only 44 percent of their faceoffs. In terms of discipline on ice, they served six penalties totaling twelve minutes but managed to keep their net untouched during these vulnerable moments thanks to their penalty kill unit's effectiveness.
On special teams play aside from powerplays, shorthanded situations saw them taking two shots without conceding any goal while down a player. Even strength play accounted for two of their three goals scored over eighteen shots taken.
The opposing Florida Panthers matched up closely in many statistical categories including total points and assists both tallying eight each but had slightly better luck in faceoffs winning fifty-six percent compared to Montreal's forty-four percent. They also registered more hits with twenty-nine and blocked fewer shots than Montreal with ten blocks recorded.
As fans look ahead after this hard-fought battle that went beyond regulation time into overtime then finally decided by shootouts – attention turns towards future games where redemption can be sought after such close contests.
Montreal Canadiens fans can mark their calendars for another exciting matchup as their team is set to visit Tampa Bay Lightning at Amalie Arena on March third at seven PM Eastern Time Zone (ET). This upcoming contest will be available for viewing on ESPN+ via internet streaming platforms and regional television broadcasted by BSSUN.