NHL: Toronto Maple Leafs at Dallas Stars - Source: Imagn — Paul Bissonnette reacts as Maple Leafs get shutout by Sam Montembeault (Picture CAR: Imagn)

Paul Bissonnette irked after Toronto Maple Leafs' 1-0 loss to Canadiens

Modified Oct 10, 2024 06:03 GMT

NHL insider Paul Bissonnette expressed frustration after the Toronto Maple Leafs lost 1-0 to the Montreal Canadiens in their season opener. Bissonnette felt that the Leafs actually dominated the game but were stopped by Montreal goalie Sam Montembeault.

He shared his thoughts on X (formerly Twitter), asking fans to relax, saying,

"Stop tweeting me about the Leafs they dominated that game. They got goalied. Simmer down. On to the next one."

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The Maple Leafs had plenty of chances but couldn't score. Montembeault was outstanding, making 48 saves and securing his second career NHL shutout. His performance was the key reason Montreal won the game.

Cole Caufield scored the only goal in the first period on a power play, with help from Juraj Slafkovsky and Kirby Dach. This was the third straight season that Caufield scored in a season opener against the Leafs.

The goal also marked his 150th career point in just 206 games, making him the fastest Canadiens player to reach that milestone since Saku Koivu.

Toronto faced challenges throughout the game. They took five minor penalties in the first two periods, which hurt their momentum.

The Leafs also hit three posts in the second period and went 0-for-4 on the power play. Goaltender Anthony Stolarz, filling in for Joseph Woll, made 26 saves but couldn’t outshine Montembeault.

One of the most important moments came when Montembeault made a glove save on a one-timer from Auston Matthews, the league’s top goal scorer last season. Despite Toronto’s efforts, Montembeault's stellar play ensured Montreal’s victory.

Montembeault’s shutout put him in the record books as the seventh Canadiens goalie to record a season-opening shutout.

The Maple Leafs will look to bounce back as they prepare to face New Jersey in their next game.

Is Joseph Woll too injury-prone to be the Maple Leafs' No. 1 goalie?

Joseph Woll's frequent injuries are causing concern about his ability to be the Maple Leafs' No. 1 goalie. He was supposed to start the season opener but withdrew at the last minute.

This follows a pattern of missing important games, including a Game 7 against Boston. In his five seasons, Woll has averaged only 24 games a year, which is a problem for the Leafs.

New coach Craig Berube had planned for Woll to start, but his injury gave Anthony Stolarz an opportunity. Stolarz performed well in the opener and now has a chance to prove himself. General manager Brad Treliving supports Woll, but his frequent absences make it difficult to rely on him.