The Montreal Canadiens have defeated the New York Rangers on the road, posting their second win in the past three games. Claude Julien’s team posted a 2-1 victory at the Madison Square Garden.
With 1:07 to go, Nate Thompson delivered a game-winner, bringing the guests their first triumph on the road since November 15. Back then, they defeated Washington Capitals.
Thompson’s goal was the first one for him after 12 matches, and it came following Nick Cousins’ pass. The 35-year old center couldn’t hide his delightment after tonights’ win.
“I think the way we won it and the way we stuck to it the whole game, this one feels pretty good,” Thompson said.
This success will present a huge boost for the Canadiens, who had 8 losses in a row at one point. It pushed them way behind the Boston Bruins in the Atlantic Division standings and also endangered their position regarding the playoffs.
Though, we need to say that the Rangers played solid as well and that it wouldn’t be unfair if they won this contest also. If it weren’t for Carey Price who had 29 saves for the guests, the result would no doubt be much worse for the Canadiens.
Thompson’s goal came in the moments when New York also tried to find a tie-breaker. Luckily the situation on the ice went in Montreal’s favor, and it was mostly because of Carey who was confident in the decisive moments.
“They made a push. We just found a way and Carey made big saves in key moments,” Thompson added.
It appears that the Canadiens’ goalie has an additional inspiration when playing inside the Madison Square Garden. In the last 9 games, his team won 7 times.
He was pleased with the way his entire crew played tonight but added that they are yet to face challenges, stressing out that there is no time for celebration.
It’s baby steps. Right now, we just have to focus on the next one.”
The Canadiens got the lead with 10:37 into the game, with Brendan Gallagher scoring on Philip Danault’s pass. It was a tip-in from the right side of the net, and his 12th hit of the season.
However, the hosts responded two and a half minutes after the start of the middle frame when Brendan Smith quickly executed the breakaway following Canadiens’ turnover. Afterward, the spectators saw a tough fight, which could go either way.
But the luck was on Montreal’s side tonight, and unlike the previous game against the Rangers, when they managed to drop a 4-0 advantage, this time the Canadiens got away with a victory.
Up next Julien’s team heads for Pittsburgh to meet the Penguins this Tuesday, before coming back home to face the Senators and the Detroit Red Wings. After that, Montreal (13-11-6) have a massive road trip, consisted of seven matches.
The Rangers (14-11-3) are ahead of a four-game journey, which starts in Las Vegas against the Golden Knights and continues vs. the Kings, Sharks, and the Ducks.
