It wasn't pretty, but the Habs found a way to pull out a victory over the Leafs in the opening game of the 2009-10 season . Josh Gorges scored the winning goal with just 12.8 seconds remaining in overtime, capitalizing on a rebound from a nice Mike Cammalleri rush. Carey Price was solid in nets, making 43 saves to get the win over the Leafs in what looks like will be a heated rivalry this season. Former Hab Mike Komisarek played his first game for the Leafs, and although he made his presence felt with some big hits, his lack of discipline cost the Leafs as the Habs scored 2 goals with him in the sin bin. Komisarek had 15 penalty minutes in this game, and he probably should have been called for at least another 2 minor penalties.
The Leafs totally dominated the Habs in the first 2 periods, out shooting them 30-13 after 2 periods. They controlled the play and were much faster on the puck than the Habs. Paul Mara and especially Hal Gill struggled in their Habs debut. Gill's troubles cost the Habs 1 goal, as he was stripped from the puck behind the net, resulting in a goal for Alex Ponikarovsky. Gill's lack of foot speed was obvious throughout the match as he was continuously beaten to the puck by speedy Leafs forwards, and it is definitely a concern for the Habs. Of more concern is the injury suffered by Andre Markov in the 3rd period. Markov left after apparently being cut by Carey Price's skate after a Leafs goal. Lets hope it isn't serious. Hopefully Roman Hamrlik will join the Habs for their next game. Hamrlik is desperately needed to log minutes in key situations, relieving pressure from Gill and Mara. Ryan O'byrne had a solid game and showed poise in this match. Lets hope his progress continues.
Newcomers Brian Gionta and Travis Moen scored for the Habs, and crafty center Glen Metropolit scored the goal that sent the game in to overtime in the third period. Metropolit also made a nice play on Moen's goal, stripping a Leafs defender behind the net and feeding Moen in front of the net who put it past Leafs goalie Vesa Toskala. Enforcer George Laraque also assisted on that goal, and also fought with newly acquired Leafs tough guy Colton Orr, earning a decision. This line was consistent throughout the match with their effort and grit. Maxim Lapierre's line was largely invisible, Guillaume Latendresse had a few good shifts, but they need more from their third line. Tomas Plekanec was all over the ice, and his effort was rewarded with an assist on Gorge's winning goal. Camallerri, who had 2 assists, and Gionta were impressive in their debut's, and Scott Gomez had his best period in the third. The Habs definitely need to be better, and coach Jacques Martin must be vigilant in order to make any adjustments necessary. The Leafs definitely controlled the flow of the game, but the Habs showed a lot of heart and team unity in coming up with the win. Carey Price made this possible. Lets hope he can keep it up...
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