Ratings: Anderson leads, Caufield lost, Canadiens lament (+)

If the Montreal Canadiens score more than one goal but it gets ruled out for goaltender interference, did it really happen?

Or something like that.

The Montreal Canadiens can feel somewhat aggrieved after losing to the Carolina Hurricanes 4-1 in Jesperi Kotkaniemi’s return last night. There will be two talking points from last night’s contest that will twist the knife in the heart of Habs fans. The sight of Kotkaniemi celebrating his goal that essentially killed off the game for the Canes. And Habs forward Brendan Gallagher’s opening goal that was ruled out for goaltender interference in the first period. After making minimal contact with Carolina goalie Freddie Andersen, head coach Rod Brind’Amour’s challenge worked and the goal was denied.

By the book that the league updated this off-season, the call was correct. Gallagher did make incidental contact with Andersen while in the process of tipping in defenceman Chris Wideman’s point shot. But the NHL, their officials and the powers-that-be in Toronto have set a remarkably strict standard early in the season. Will they adhere to that same stringent level as the season goes on?

I have my doubts.

Here are your Montreal Canadiens player ratings.