Canadiens fall because of coaching blunder

The Montreal Canadiens did everything you’d want in game one, with the exception of winning the game. The season opener was entertaining, provided swings in emotion and had plenty of drama. Even with a 6-5 shootout loss to arch rival Toronto, fans should be optimistic if this is a sign of things to come.

The most encouraging thing from the opener was the play of the second line featuring Juraj Slafkovsky, Kirby Dach and Alex Newhook. They were Montreal’s most dangerous line, Newhook scoring twice and Slafkovsky having one his best games in the NHL.

The fourth line contributed with two goals of their own and the powerplay displayed signs of life scoring once and having a second one called back on a coach’s challenge for offside.

Scoring five goals in regulation should be enough to win the game but the Maple Leafs have a deadly offense and Montreal shouldn’t have started Jake Allen.

Montreal’s starting goaltender struggled mightily and even though he made the odd highlight reel save, at least two of the goals were stinkers.

It looked like the Canadiens had taken a 3-0 lead in the second period when Cole Caufield scored a powerplay goal. But it was called off after a successful coach’s challenge and then Allen let up a softie to Noah Gregor on a low shot from a terrible angle. It was a quick swing of two goals that let Toronto back in the game.

Allen also got caught either cheating or sleeping on Matthew’s second of the game which went in along the ice inside the post short side.

The Matthews hat trick goal which tied the game, also had Allen overcommit and swimming on his stomach. Yes, it was a nice showing of patience by one of the best goal scorers in the game but still a bad one visually.

But the question has to be asked, why was Allen in goal in the first place? He was clearly outplayed by Sam Montembeault for majority of last season who deserved to have the opening night start. With another goalie, the result may have been different. Maybe it was Montembeault’s subpar training camp or split stats versus Toronto that explain the decision to go with Allen. But it was the wrong decision.

Next up the Canadiens have the Chicago Blackhawks on Saturday night at the Bell Centre and if they play like they played in game one and get a couple more saves, they should be able to secure two points in the standings.