For almost two months, the Montreal Canadiens were spectacular in their ability to defy would-be advantages. Facing the Toronto Maple Leafs, they finally pulled through.
They got a goal early, and it wasn't even from their first line. They got a second goal; immediate production from their recent call-up. And with a lengthy break preceding the game, they had time to prepare. Their performance was far from perfect, but finally, it was enough. Tonight, they need to accomplish the same thing.
Like the Leafs, the Blue Jackets lack offensive punch, and with Ryan Johansen gone, their offence is even less threatening.