The view from Montreal

MONTREAL GAZETTE

Pat Hickey: Habs Game Report: Kings edge Canadiens 2-1

The stingiest defence in the NHL allowed the Canadiens only 18 shots on goal as the Los Angeles Kings defeated Montreal 2-1 Monday night at the Staples Center. Anze Kopitar set up Jeff Carter for the winnng goal on a power play at 4:14 of the second period.

Pat Hickey: Habs loss to Kings not moral victory, Gionta says

Gionta mght have also been thinking that the final score flattered the Canadiens as did the 22-18 advantage the Kings had on the shot clock. The home ream enjoyed a wide edge in time of possession and goaltender Peter Budaj might have been busier if his teammates hadn’t blocked 16 shots and the Kings hadn’t missed another 18, including Anze Kopitar’s attempt at a half-empty net during a power play late in the second period.

HOCKEYINSIDEOUT.COM

Mike Boone: About last night…

The Canadiens actually outhit L.A., 42-28 – with Douglas Murray dishing out eight checks, to lead both teams, in his 20 minutes of ice time. But the Kings won most of the physical battles – particularly the ones that ensued after the Canadiens tried one of their countless dump-ins to gain the offensive zone.

Stu Cowan: Loss to Kings wasn’t a moral victory, Gionta says

“We need points and we didn’t get any.” Gionta added after the Canadiens failed to gain any ground in the Eastern Conference playoff race. The Canadiens remain second in the Atlantic Division with 75 points, two up on Tampa and three ahead of Toronto. The Lightning has two games in hand.

ALLHABS.NET

Rick Stephens: Recap – 3 Stars, Highlights, Presser: Habs Smothered by Kings

The Canadiens were bottled up all game long by the Kings. They top two lines failed to generate scoring chances and were anemic on the power-play. Jarred Tinordi continued to play very well even trading blows with Kyle Clifford.

SB Nation: EYES ON THE PRIZE

Marc Dumont: Canadiens vs Kings Top Six Minutes: West Coast Crash

Peter Budaj is keeping us in games just like Carey Price was doing, so he probably deserves some of Therrien’s salary along with steady Carey.

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