Jets Soar Past Canadiens in a High-Scoring Affair at Landing Pad Arena

 

WINNIPEG – In their second game of the season, the Montreal Canadiens faced a tough test on the road against the Winnipeg Jets, last year’s Cham enduring a grueling 9-3 defeat at Landing Pad Arena. Despite entering the match with high expectations after a solid performance by goaltender John Vanbiesbrouck in their season opener, the Habs struggled defensively and on special teams, ultimately unable to contain the Jets' offensive surge.

The game commenced with an immediate disadvantage for Montreal as the Jets capitalized on an early power play. Kirk Muller opened the scoring just over three minutes into the first period, followed swiftly by Joe Nieuwendyk, who doubled the lead less than two minutes later. Muller notched his second of the night shortly thereafter, pushing the Jets ahead by three.

Montreal's response came later in the period when Glen Murray, assisted by Donald Audette and Brian Rafalski, found the back of the net. Ed Ward added a short-handed goal towards the period's close, injecting a brief spark of hope for the Canadiens. The first period concluded with the Jets leading 3-2, setting the stage for a challenging remainder of the game.

The second period saw both teams tighten their defenses, with Cory Stillman scoring the only goal for Montreal on a power play early in the period. However, Mike Stapleton answered for Winnipeg, maintaining their lead and setting up a decisive third period.

The final period was a spectacle of Winnipeg's offensive prowess as they poured on five goals. Robert Lang initiated the onslaught, followed by Brendan Shanahan and a power-play goal from Jari Kurri. Kurri struck again less than a minute later, and Muller completed his hat trick with a late power-play marker, rounding off a night to forget for Montreal's defense and goaltending.

John Vanbiesbrouck, after a stellar start to the season, was pulled after allowing five goals. Chris Osgood, stepping in for relief, fared no better, conceding four goals on 15 shots. The defensive breakdown was total, leaving the Canadiens searching for answers.

Amidst the on-ice struggles, a concerning incident occurred when Donald Audette received a game misconduct for a dangerous high-sticking foul on Gerard Gallant, who was injured on the play. The league has since handed Audette a suspension, adding further complications to Montreal’s lineup.

Post-game, Coach Larry Robinson expressed his disappointment, especially with the team's special teams. "Our power play was ineffective, and our penalty kill worse. We need to be better disciplined and more robust defensively," Robinson stated. He praised Vanbiesbrouck’s efforts but acknowledged the need for improvement across the board.

Despite the harsh defeat, the players remain committed to bouncing back. "We have to put this one behind us quickly," said veteran Stephane Quintal. "It’s about how we respond to these challenges that will define our season."

The Canadiens will need to regroup fast as they continue their season, with hopes of tightening their defensive play and capitalizing on their offensive opportunities. As they move forward, the lessons from this tough loss will be crucial in defining their path in the 1996 NHL campaign.

-The Montreal Gazette