In one of the most storied rivalries in professional sports, the Toronto Maple Leafs (5-1-1) travelled to ‘La Belle Province’ to battle the Montreal Canadiens (1-4-2).
1:15 into the game Gionta was called for goaltender interference after running right through Reimer knocking off his mask and leaving him looking visibly shaken. This would eventually lead to a short handed goal by Moen as he out muscled Steckel to the net. Roughly five minutes later Steckel made up by tipping a nice point shot from rookie bright spot Jake Gardiner.
Jonas Gustavsson began the second period in place of Reimer as the concussion rumours begin to swirl. He was tested 29 second in but was unable to stop a Kostitsyn wrister. Shortly after Kessel continued his hot start by potting his eighth of the year. Then Dion Phaneuf scored for the Leafs as a busy first five minutes to start the second left the score at 3-2 Toronto. A chippy period led to continued penalty trouble for both teams.
Montreal began the third strong with a goal by Toronto area native Michael Cammalleri, blasting a shot past Gustavsson. Montreal then took the lead 4-3 with a savable shot from Gorges. The Habs dominated the first half of the period as it looked like a Montreal win was becoming the more likely scenario. Then at 13:07 Mikhail Grabovski cleaned up a rebound in front giving the Leafs life. Originally the goal was given to Kulemin but upon further review Grabo beat his teammate to the puck.
At 1:23 into OT Grabovski completed a skilful backhand to forehand spin move to beat Price top corner blocker side from a nice feed by Liles. A special goal from the former Hab who has grown as a player and person since his move to Toronto.
By: Liam Niven
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