Fans in attendance were treated to a high scoring affair that was capped off by a five goal third period. Going into the third Montreal held a 3-2 lead. By the ten minute mark of the third the score was 4-3 Ottawa. The Canadiens roared back with two goals by Sean Monahan and Cole Caufield to take back the lead 5-4.
With just over two minutes left in the game defenceman Arber Xhekaj added security with a bomb from the point. The puck was hit so hard it literally went through the net and play continued. It was later called a goal after a review.
The 22 year old, undrafted rookie quickly established himself as a fan favorite during his first season in Montreal. In 51 games he scored 5 goals and 8 points while averaging 15:16 in ice time.
Both teams will open the season on the road on October 11th with Ottawa facing the Carolina Hurricanes and Montreal playing their division rival Toronto Maple Leafs.
POLL | ||
8 OCTOBRE | 37 ANSWERS Montreal Canadiens defender rips a shot right through the twine Who is your favorite Montreal Canadiens player on the roster? | ||
Nick Suzuki | 5 | 13.5 % |
Cole Caufield | 11 | 29.7 % |
Kirby Dach | 5 | 13.5 % |
Arber Xhekaj | 16 | 43.2 % |
List of polls |