We just didn’t have it, and that’s on me, admits goalie Montembeault
The Seattle Metropolitans were the final team from the National Hockey Association to claim the Stanley Cup, and Seattle later became the first U.S.-based team to take home the trophy by defeating Montreal 3-1 in a best-of-five showdown.
With Halloween right around the corner, it seemed as if the spirit of the old Metropolitans had taken over the Kraken at Bell Centre on Tuesday night. Held to just eight goals across their last four outings, Seattle found their scoring touch in an 8-2 thrashing of the Canadiens. The Kraken netted the game-winner just 7:27 into the first period, beating Montreal goalie Samuel Montembeault on both of their opening shots. Seattle struck quickly, requiring only 25 seconds to start the scoring in what may be Montreal’s roughest outing this season.
Of course, with 72 games left in the season, the Canadiens have plenty of opportunities to raise—or lower—their performance standards.
By the way, the NHA transformed into the NHL in November 1917.
A Little Hockey History: Representing the Pacific Coast Hockey Association, the Metropolitans racked up 23 goals over four games against Montreal. Leading the charge was Bernie Morris, who scored 14 of those goals, including a stunning six in the final game. Perhaps the Canadiens could have used a shadow for Morris, but legendary defensive forward Claude Provost had yet to be born.
Tuesday’s Struggles: Montembeault, who has shown himself to be a steady NHL goaltender over the last two seasons, faced a tough outing and was pulled early in the second period after giving up five goals on 10 shots. Just last Tuesday, he allowed four goals on 10 shots against the New York Rangers. The Canadiens will face Calgary next Tuesday, looking to regroup.
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