Sam Montembeault makes history as the Canadiens embarrass the Toronto Maple Leafs
Photo credit: David Kirouac - USA Today
Hopes were high for the Toronto Maple Leafs on opening night but things ended tragically after they were embarrassed by Canadiens goalie Sam Montembeault.
The Toronto Maple Leafs began a new era tonight with their opening game against the Montreal Canadiens. New Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube promised a hard-hitting and well-rounded team. After the first night of the season, the Maple Leafs fans should be questioning what they are seeing.
The Montreal Canadiens came out flying and took an early lead. The opening goal came from Canadiens forward Cole Caufield on the power play.
This game then picked up the pace for a while and it seemed like it would be a high-scoring affair. However, to the credit of both goaltenders things stayed 1-0. Many fans were hoping to see Ryan Reaves and Arber Xhekaj renew their rivalry. Last season Reaves and Xhekaj fought on multiple occasions. However, the two ended up not crossing paths throughout.
The game would remain tight with both teams having chances. Ultimately Canadiens goaltender Sam Montembeault would record a shutout leading the Canadiens to a 1-0 win. In his shutout, Sam Montembeault also broke a crazy NHL record.
Sam Montembeault breaks an NHL record against the Maple Leafs
With his 47-save shutout, Sam Montembeault made NHL history. According to the record books Sam Montembeault now holds the record for the most saves in an opening night shutout.
This is a huge accomplishment for Sam Montembeault who many had questions about heading into the season if he could handle being the team's starter. The shutout was equally embarrassing for the Toronto Maple Leafs who were shutout for the first time in the regular season in almost three years.
During Sheldon Keefe's tenure with the Toronto Maple Leafs established that impressive streak. Now in just one game under Craig Berube, it has all been thrown away.
The Toronto Maple Leafs will now need to regroup quickly as they will have a faceoff against Sheldon Keefe as they play the New Jersey Devils tomorrow. This could be fans first opportunity to see young goaltender Dennis Hildeby play this season. Hildeby was added to the Maple Leafs roster after Joseph Woll was placed on injured reserve.
The Maple Leafs will need to lock in tomorrow against the New Jersey Devils and Sheldon Keefe to avoid further embarrassment and disaster to begin this season.
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