To start the third period, Price was replaced by backup goaltender Mike Condon due to a possible second period injury. But for as much as last season has served as a dream come true for Skapski, he’s focused on looking towards his future. That changed in the last few days, with Montreal forwards Devante Smith-Pelly and Torrey Mitchell both ailing, leading to the recalls of Andrighetto, who played for the Canadiens Sunday in their 4-2 win over the New York Islanders, and then of Holloway. Two of the four regulation losses they’ve suffered this season have been delivered by the Canadiens. The reigning Hart and Vezina Trophy victor exited Wednesday’s road triumph over the New York Rangers after aggravating the lower-body injury that sidelined him for nine contests earlier this season. “It’s a huge game for us”.
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Overall, Vigneault said, “We didn’t obviously answer the bell for the challenge we had tonight”. We won’t ignore that he takes the majority of his draws in the offensive zone, where the opposing centre is now forced to put his stick down first, but that barely detracts from this impressive feat. “It’s still early in the season, so it’s important for us that when he plays he’s got to make sure he’s healthy”. McDonagh was originally credited with the goal, but the puck went off of Rick Nash in front of the net, and it was later adjusted. Smith-Pelly’s second goal was reminiscent of his first, a tap-in from point-blank range, while Galchenyuk beat Lundqvist from a sharp angle for an unassisted goal.Pacioretty chased Lundqvist at 9:06 with a power-play goal.
“It’s very humbling just to be around these guys”, he said. But their game was actually John Tortorella-era, circa 2012, as they blocked 26 shots but managed just seven on net in the first two periods and were outchanced, 75-41, in the game. But thanks to what has been a bounceback year from veteran winger Mike Cammalleri and an early season goal-scoring surge from Adam Henrique the Devils are hanging around in the Eastern Conference playoff race.
Hurricanes 4, Oilers 1 – Elias Lindholm scored the go-ahead goal midway through the second period and Cam Ward made 30 saves for host Carolina.
The Rangers would pull within one before heading into the second intermission, but the biggest news of the game came when the teams headed back out for the final frame. Pacioretty got the puck and quickly sent it in front to a wide-open Smith-Pelly for a point-blank shot past Lundqvist.
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“It’s just a bad loss for us”, defenseman Dan Girardi said. The team has to play a smarter and more sound game while also recognizing where they should be positioned on the ice. Rangers goaltender Henrik Lundqvist was yanked midway through the third period after allowing five goals on 24 shots. How can GM Marc Bergevin, celebrating Thanksgiving with his new contract extension, not have to consider needing a Plan B in goal?
