This was Hammond’s first regular season start since March 28, 2018. It was also his first NHL win in the regular season since April 9, 2016, when Hammond backed the Ottawa Senators to a 6-1 victory against the Boston Bruins.
Martin St. Louis, Canadiens coach, said that Hammond’s return in the NHL was not luck. Hammond’s return to the NHL, after a long career in the NHL, is a rare opportunity for many men to give up. To be able to play like he did 3 1/2 years ago, and get another chance at winning, it’s an honor to him.
Rem Pitlick and Cole Caufield scored in the shootout, and Montreal won its second consecutive match with St. Louis. For the Canadiens, Jeff Petry scored and Josh Anderson scored in regulation.
Ben Chiarot, defenseman, said that there was “just good energy” about the changes since St. Louis took control. He’s motivated everyone and makes them excited to play. We are seeing more success with our guys, getting more touches, more offensive opportunities, and fewer breakdowns. He has us playing great hockey.”
New York’s Kyle Palmieri and Brock Nelson were successful, while Ilya Sorokin saved 25.
Anthony Beauvillier’s shootout success was answered by Caufield, who made a five-hole shot in the first round. Pitlick converted a clever backhand and forehand combination to propel Montreal past New York.
Pitlick stated, “It wasn’t the season we wanted but there’s tremendous pride.” “It was cool to pull it off, especially for Hammond.”
The game was tied at 2-2 in the third period by Nelson. Kieffer Bellows was the one who tipped the puck, allowing Nelson to pass the Canadiens defence and send a wrist shot through Hammond at 17:03. Sebastian Aho was also involved in the equalizer.
Montreal took a 2-1 lead when Anderson shot a wrist shot past Sorokin’s blocker at 18:49 in the second period. Sorokin was beaten from a sharp angle on his short side for the second consecutive game. Caufield and Nick Suzuki assisted in the goal.
Barry Trotz, Islanders coach, stated that “We just have to play a straight line hockey game, get people into the net.” Play a 200-foot hockey game and make good decisions with your puck. We will succeed if that is what we do. If not, we’ll be unsuccessful.
After a turnover in the third period, the Islanders goalie made an excellent left pad save on Caufield to keep the score at one. This gave New York the chance to tie the game.
Petry opened scoring at 9:01 in the first period. Montreal took advantage of traffic at its top and Petry’s shot from the point trickled through Sorokin’s legs to score a 1-0 lead. Ryan Poehling and Brett Kulak assisted.
Palmieri stated that although there were some good shifts to begin, only one made it into our net in time and that was a bit deflating. “But it’s up for us to just kind of go back after it.”
To even the score at 1-1, Palmieri scored his fourth goal of the season in the second period. Zach Parise was set up by Josh Bailey in front to take advantage of a deflection opportunity. Palmieri scored the rebound with a backhand shot at 1:29.
FORMER ISLANDERS WIN GOLD
Finland won Olympic gold in men’s hockey, beating ROC 2-1 in Beijing. Finland won six consecutive games thanks to former Islanders Valtteri Filppula and Leo Komarov, including a three goal victory against Sweden in round one.
LONG LAYOFF
Montreal purchased Hammond earlier this month from the Minnesota Wild. With the Iowa Wild of American Hockey League, he was 6-2-3 and had a 2.44 goals against average and a 0.908 save percentage. His last NHL regular-season victory was against the Boston Bruins, April 9, 2016.
QUEBEC CONNECTION
Beauvillier is Quebec’s only living native on the Islanders roster. The forward, a native of Sorel-Tracy (QC), was 16:48 TOI on Sunday. He also had three assists in November’s previous meeting between these two teams.
UP NEXT
Islanders: Visit Seattle Kraken Tuesday for a five-game road trip.
Canadiens will host the Toronto Maple Leafs Monday
