GOMEZ, HABS DOWN DUCKS 2-1 IN SEASON OPENER

Thomas Plekanec scored early in the first and Scott Gomez had the only goal of the shootout as the Montreal Canadiens defeat the Anaheim Ducks in what was an exciting game to open up Season v4 of the Penny Arcade Hockey League.

From the start, it seemed as if the Canadiens would be having a field day. Around the eight minute mark, Benoit Pouliot threw an unobstructed pass across the front of the Anaheim net in which Plekanec put over a sprawling Jonas Hiller.

It looked like the Canadiens were playing a farm team rather than the Ducks. With all of their pressure, they were only able to beat Hiller once.

In the second period, the tide seemed to turn as Anaheim center Ryan Getzlaf scored off of a rebound to tie the contest. From then on, the momentum shifted back and forth with some close calls for both sides.



After an overtime that consisted of the Ducks skating all over the Canadiens' zone while killing a penalty, the game went to a shootout where one goal would decide the game.

With every shooter missing, the game was on Gomez's stick. Dekeing down the ice, Gomez pulled the puck to his backhand and slipped it five hole to win the game.



Opening the season with a loss isn't something the Ducks planned on doing, but there are plenty of positives to take away from this hard fought game.

Firstly, Teemu Selanne still has it. While he didn't get on the scoresheet, he had plenty of opportunties to score and dish the puck. Look for him to tear up the league this season.



Secondly, the Ducks got a point out of this game. In a league where every point is important, one point can save a season.

3 Stars
1. Getzlaf - ana (1g)
2. Plekanec - mon (1g)
3. Halak - mon (13saves)

Anaheim Ducks (away)

Goals: Getzlaf
Assists: Perry, Niedermayer
PP - 0/1
PK - 1/1

Montreal Canadiens (home)

Goals: Plekanec
Assists: Pouliot
PP - 0/1
PK - 1/1