NYR@MTL: Game Recap

MONTREAL - The Canadiens' homecoming was spoiled by the New York Rangers, 3-1 on Saturday.

The Habs of course were hosting their 2021-22 home opener at the Bell Centre, in front of a capacity crowd for the first time in 585 days.
Geoff Molson addressed the fans before pregame ceremonies got underway, and the Canadiens faithful did not disappoint throughout the show.

Carey Price, currently away from the team, notably received his habitual chant despite not being in the building.

Following puck drop, the teams played a scoreless opening 20 to head into first intermission tied 0-0.
Montreal had two power play opportunities in the opening period but could not capitalize with the man advantage.
Rather, it was Chris Kreider who cashed in on a Habs penalty, opening the scoring 9:59 into the middle frame.
That was all the scoring to report in a second period which saw Jake Allen make 12 saves.
Jonathan Drouin got the Canadiens on the board 9:24 into the final frame, burying a pass from Christian Dvorak to pot the Habs' first home goal of the season. Drouin also scored the Canadiens' first goal of the campaign in Wednesday's season opener in Toronto.

The Rangers would reply just 26 seconds later however, as Alexis Lafreniere put New York back up 2-1.
Kevin Rooney's empty netter with 10 seconds to go would end things 3-1.
The Habs will be back in action on Tuesday, when the San Jose Sharks visit the Bell Centre.