If Bruins fans thought that a rivalry match against the Montreal Canadiens would serve to wake the team up from the malaise that has left them in last place, think again. Through one period of action in the Bell Centre, it's all Montreal, with the Canadiens leading 2-0 after two quick goals towards the end of the period.
The first goal, from 24 feet out, was tipped off the stick of Brian Gionta in the 16th minute of play. A holding penalty on Johnny Boychuk left the Bruins down a man, and the Canadiens capitalized as the clock ran down.
The floodgates now open, the Canadiens wasted little time adding a second score when Lars Eller hit a strong shot from 34 feet away to give the Habs a 2-0 lead.
Montreal's early lead is pretty indicative of how the game has gone so far. The Bruins haven't controlled the puck very often, and Montreal is winning the shots on goal battle by a good deal. If the Bruins can't put up some volume in the final two periods, then it's hard to see them overcoming this early deficit--especially with an entirely questionable Tuukka Rask in goal.