COL@MTL: Postgame

MONTREAL -- The Canadiens nearly climbed back from a 3-0 hole on Thursday, but ended a goal short to the Colorado Avalanche.

The night was nevertheless a special one for Cayden Primeau, who hit the ice at the Bell Centre for his first NHL start.

Parents Keith and Lisa Primeau were likewise on-hand in Montreal to cheer on their son.

Colorado beat the first-time NHLer 6:13 into the opening frame, burying a loose puck in the crease to give the visitors the lead.
Captain Gabriel Landeskog doubled the score for the Avalanche six minutes later, in a busy first period for Primeau. The seventh round pick from 2017 faced 14 shots through 20 minutes.
Forward Jesperi Kotkaniemi meanwhile left the game with an upper body injury following his first shift, and would not return.
Near the midway mark of the second period, Colorado forwards J.T. Compher and Matt Calvert took advantage of a shorthanded two-on-one to make it 3-0.
The Habs have allowed three goals this season while on the power play.
Brendan Gallagher got Montreal on the board with 2:18 to go in the middle frame.

It was his second tally in as many games, and his 12th of the season.
Colorado led 28-23 in the shot column after 40.
A third period power play opportunity allowed the Habs to pull within one. Nick Cousins scored his third of the season with an assist from Max Domi.

But that's as close as the Canadiens would get.