Anderson, Canadiens struggle offensively in loss to Flames

Flames 2, Canadiens 1. Anderson, robbed by goaltender Jacob Markstrom, is still seeking his first goal of the season.

Published Nov 14, 2023 • Last updated 2 hours ago • 4 minute read

Calgary Flames’ Connor Zary (47) puts the puck past Montreal Canadiens goaltender Sam Montembeault during second period NHL action in Montreal on Tuesday Nov. 14, 2023. Photo by Pierre Obendrauf /Montreal Gazette

It was late in regulation time when Sean Monahan fed Josh Anderson in front of the Calgary net, the Canadiens swarming the visiting Flames in search of the tying goal.

With the potential equalizer on the end of his stick, Anderson was robbed by the glove hand of goaltender Jacob Markstrom. The bittersweet smile — one almost of defiance — on Anderson’s face spoke volumes as he skated away in disbelief.

Advertisement 2

This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.

THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY

Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.

Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account.Get exclusive access to the Montreal Gazette ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on.Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists.Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists.Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword.

SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES

Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.

Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.

Access articles from across Canada with one account.Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments.Enjoy additional articles per month.Get email updates from your favourite authors.

Article content

“I think me walking down Main St. and not scoring, I still can’t believe it,” Anderson said following the Canadiens’ 2-1 loss to the Flames Tuesday night at the Bell Centre. “I’m still in disbelief.”

This is how it goes when you’re perceived to be a scorer, yet you’re still seeking your first goal of the season after 16 games. That the Canadiens are going through an offensive funk of late — held to three goals in two games and six in the last three — only adds to Anderson’s frustration.

He’s certainly getting the opportunities, despite being held to only two shots by Calgary. He now has 37 shots through 16 games.

“I’m going to have to change something,” the 6-foot-3, 224-pound power forward said. “Maybe a new stick? I don’t know. I’m trying to stay with it and stay positive. It’s frustrating right now, especially when you have opportunities to help your team out to tie the game or finish it. I’m just going to have to dig deeper.”

This was the season Anderson, 29, was expected to break out offensively — and perhaps he still might — after scoring 21 goals in 69 games before suffering a season-ending high ankle sprain March 21, against Tampa Bay. He would have had more goals last season, if only he could have finished some of his opportunities, including numerous breakaways. Anderson, after all, still is the same version of the player who scored a career-high 27 goals in 82 games with Columbus during the 2018-19 campaign.

By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc.

Article content

Advertisement 3

This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.

Article content

“I’m getting good looks,” he said. “It’s how you beat the goalie. Usually I haven’t had that problem in my career, but I just have to keep working at it.”

Nonetheless, the Canadiens’ inconsistent season continues. After producing consecutive wins last week at Detroit and against Boston, Montreal now has lost two straight, its record dropping to 7-7-2. And things won’t get any easier Thursday, when they host the defending Stanley Cup-champion Vegas Golden Knights before embarking on a five-game road trip.

Vegas leads the Pacific division with a 12-3-1 record following Tuesday night’s 3-0 loss at Washington.

Montreal Canadien Hockey Hall of Fame player Pierre Turgeon carries the torch during a ceremony marking his induction in the Canadiens’ Ring of Honour, prior to game with the Calgary Flames in Montreal on Tuesday Nov. 14, 2023.Photo by Pierre Obendrauf /Montreal Gazette

Montreal Canadiens’ Kaiden Guhle (21) goes for a two minute holding penalty on a play with Calgary Flames’ Andrew Mangiapane (88) during first period NHL action in Montreal on Tuesday Nov. 14, 2023.Photo by Pierre Obendrauf /Montreal Gazette

Montreal Canadiens’ Nick Suzuki (14) goes down trying to get to the puck before Calgary Flames’ Andrew Mangiapane (88) during second period NHL action in Montreal on Tuesday Nov. 14, 2023.Photo by Pierre Obendrauf /Montreal Gazette

Montreal Canadiens’ Mike Matheson (8) is brought down by Calgary Flames’ Elias Lindholm (28) during first period NHL action in Montreal on Tuesday Nov. 14, 2023.Photo by Pierre Obendrauf /Montreal Gazette

Calgary Flames goaltender Jacob Markstrom stops a shot from Montreal Canadiens’ Jake Evans (71) during second period NHL action in Montreal on Tuesday Nov. 14, 2023.Photo by Pierre Obendrauf /Montreal Gazette

Montreal Canadiens’ Gustav Lindstrom (27) celebrates his goal with teammates Cole Caufield (22) and Juraj Slafkovsky (20) during second period NHL action against the Calgary Flames, in Montreal on Tuesday Nov. 14, 2023.Photo by Pierre Obendrauf /Montreal Gazette

Calgary Flames’ Blake Coleman (20) tries to get to a rebound from Montreal Canadiens goaltender Sam Montembeault during first period NHL action in Montreal on Tuesday Nov. 14, 2023.Photo by Pierre Obendrauf /Montreal Gazette

Calgary Flames goaltender Jacob Markstrom stops the puck in front of Montreal Canadiens’ Jesse Ylonen (56) and Calgary Flames’ Nikita Zadorov (16) during first period NHL action in Montreal on Tuesday Nov. 14, 2023.Photo by Pierre Obendrauf /Montreal Gazette

Calgary Flames’ Dillon Dube (29) gets in close on Montreal Canadiens goaltender Sam Montembeault during first period NHL action in Montreal on Tuesday Nov. 14, 2023.Photo by Pierre Obendrauf /Montreal Gazette

Montreal Canadiens’ Juraj Slafkovsky (20) looks for the puck in front of Calgary Flames goaltender Jacob Markstrom and Chris Tanev (8) during first period NHL action in Montreal on Tuesday Nov. 14, 2023.Photo by Pierre Obendrauf /Montreal Gazette

Montreal Canadiens’ Justin Barron (52) tries to stop Calgary Flames’ Adam Ruzicka (63) during third period NHL action in Montreal on Tuesday Nov. 14, 2023.Photo by Pierre Obendrauf /Montreal Gazette

Montreal Canadiens’ Josh Anderson (17) gets away from Calgary Flames’ Nikita Zadorov (16) during third period NHL action in Montreal on Tuesday Nov. 14, 2023.Photo by Pierre Obendrauf /Montreal Gazette

Montreal Canadiens’ Rafael Harvey-Pinard (49) with Calgary Flames’ Nikita Zadorov (16) during third period NHL action in Montreal on Tuesday Nov. 14, 2023.Photo by Pierre Obendrauf /Montreal Gazette

Canadiens coach Martin St-Louis calls to Montreal Canadiens goaltender Sam Montembeault during third period NHL action in Montreal on Tuesday Nov. 14, 2023.Photo by Pierre Obendrauf /Montreal Gazette

Full Screen is not supported on this browser version.

You may use a different browser or device to view this in full screen.

Advertisement 4

This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.

Article content

While there’s no doubt the Canadiens ran into a hot netminder in Markstrom, they were playing a struggling team (5-8-2) that was concluding a three-game road excursion. Markstrom, who hadn’t won on the road since last April 5, made 34 stops for a scintillating .971 save percentage.

The Canadiens removed goalie Samuel Montembeault for an extra skater late in the game. Even with Andrew Mangiapane off for interference and Montreal enjoying a six-on-four advantage, they couldn’t solve Markstrom.

Defenceman Gustav Lindström, just recalled from Laval, was the only Canadien who beat him early in the second period, 17 seconds after Nazem Kadri opened the scoring. Even at that, Lindström was fortunate to score; his shot was going wide but deflected off Rasmus Andersson.

Connor Zary scored the winner for Calgary, while a potential third-period goal by Mangiapane was disallowed following a video review after it was determined Elias Lindholm had gone offside.

“The process is easy to sell just by the amount of chances we generate,” head coach Martin St. Louis said. “The goalie was good on the other side tonight; I’ll give him that. It would be a hard sell if we were getting outplayed all the time and not generating anything. That’s not the case.

Advertisement 5

This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.

Article content

“I’ve lived it and been in those times when it’s just not going in. The effort’s there. The chances are there. Sometimes the game’s just hard.”

Montembeault, who stopped 26 shots on Saturday against the Bruins, was no slouch against Calgary and likely deserved a better fate. He made 27 saves and kept his team in the game, although Montembeault still occasionally allows too many rebounds.

“You have to give them credit. Markstrom played well for them,” Montembeault said. “In the third they didn’t give us much, other than Anderson’s chance in the slot. They played a good game and it could have gone either way.

“As a goalie, I like tight games. I wish we could have that every night. We just have to bear down on our chances. We’re moving the puck well. We need to find a way to get inside and get there on those second and third chances, when there’s a rebound or blocked shot.”

[email protected]

twitter.com/HerbZurkowsky1