Habs Hang on to Beat Rangers

Date: 24/10/2017
Opponent: NY Rangers
Location: Bell Centre
Win: 5-4

Montreal Goalie: Price (W)
New York Goalie: Pavelec (L)

Montreal goalscorers:  Byron, Galchenyuk, Danault (2), Pacioretty
New York goalscorers: Buchnevich, Nash, Zibanejad, Skjei

Montreal's Effort Can't Overcome Scoring Woes

Date: 08/10/2017
Opponent: NY Rangers
Location: Madison Square Garden
Loss: 2-0

Montreal Goalie: Price (L)
New York Goalie: Lundqvist (W)

Montreal goalscorers:
New York goalscorers: Skjei, Zibanejad

Habs Beating Rangers Makes for Good LiW Symmetry

Welcome back to those of you who found us today. It's been a hiatus brought on by a takeover from life over hockey. On my part, it was the powerplay of family, house and career that worked to dwindle my blogging time to nil. The Habs haven't missed a beat without me, and it's been fun watching them become a team that expects success.

About a month ago, Jay, a long-time reader on the site contacted me about the site's status. I told him that I had been keeping it ticking over and had plans to one day revive. He challenged me: this year. I hesitated and he offered to help. So here we are, Lions in Winter back for another winter. The plan is to have one tradiational game report a week with summary reports of the interim games to accompany. I have a feeling that when I get reading, I'll chip in on issues floating around the team (Galchenyuk's development, Tinordi's exile).

So now to Jay. Enjoy. Engage. GHG. - Topham


Date: 25/11/2015
Opponent: Rangers
Location: New York

Win: 5-1

Habs Goalie: Price (W), Condon
Opposition Goalie: Lundqvist (L), Raanta

Habs goalscorers: Andrighetto, Smith-Pelly (2), Galchenyuk, Pacioretty
Opposition goalscorers: Nash

Montreal-New York Game #6: The Grind of the Playoffs Finally Wears Through the CH

Date: 29/05/2014
Opponent: Rangers
Location: New York

Loss: 0-1

Habs Goalie: Tokarski (L)
Opposition Goalie: Lundqvist (W)

Habs goalscorers: None
Opposition goalscorers: Moore

Montreal-New York Game #5: Quick Strikes Stun Rangers

Date: 27/05/2014
Opponent: Rangers
Location: Montreal

Win: 7-4

Habs Goalie: Tokarski (W)
Opposition Goalie: Lundqvist, Talbot (L)

Habs goalscorers: Galchenyuk, Plekanec, Pacioretty, Bourque (3), Desharnais
Opposition goalscorers:Stepan (2), Nash, Kreider

Some Wins Now For Briere

If the Canadiens need some inspiration, and it seems that they may do, they should think about this:

Daniel Briere is 36 years old and not looking at too many more contracts in his future. He also happens to be one of the premiere playoff performers of all time to never hoist a Stanley Cup.

Montreal-New York Game #4: Montreal Must Forget Mistakes That Weren't Forgiving

Date: 25/05/2014
Opponent: Rangers
Location: New York

Win: 2-3 (OT)

Habs Goalie: Tokarski (L)
Opposition Goalie: Lundqvist, (W)

Habs goalscorers: Bouillon, Subban
Opposition goalscorers: Hagelin, Brassard, St. Louis

New York-Montreal Game #3: Tokarski & Clutch

Date: 22/05/2014
Opponent: Rangers
Location: New York

Win: 3-2 (OT)

Habs Goalie: Tokarski (W)
Opposition Goalie: Lundqvist, (L)

Habs goalscorers: Markov, Briere, Galchenyuk
Opposition goalscorers:Hagelin, Kreider

Why I Trust Vanek

From the off with this blog, I feel I have been at least consistent in one thing: trusting talent.

Our very first post dealt with the rocky relationship of Habs fans and Kovalev and how not really having a true scorer for many years hurt the observer's ability to understand his movements and potential payoffs. I got in quite a few spats with other bloggers over Kovalev and had the quiet satisfaction in the impact he made in 2008 (Of course by the end of that season, each adversary knew that it would happen that way).

On Penalties, Posts and Kreiders

The opening of the third round has been difficult for the Canadiens thus far. The team lost game #1 within minutes of puck drop and have since lost another. The most penetrating wound inflicted by the Rangers being the injury to Carey Price, which removes not only a very good goalie from the Canadiens lineup, but also a whole system of play built over months.

I wanted to explore in a little more depth the incident that precipitated Price's exit from the lineup. Much has been said about the accidental hit already. Far less about what can be done to help prevent this. I hope to touch on a bit of both.

New York-Montreal Game #2: Canadiens Fall Again to Able Opposition

Date: 19/05/2014
Opponent: Rangers
Location: Montreal

Loss:1-3

Habs Goalie: Tokarski (L)
Opposition Goalie: Lundqvist, (W)

Habs goalscorers: Pacioretty
Opposition goalscorers:McDonagh, Nash, St. Louis

Montreal-New York Game #1: Let It All Out (In)

Date: 17/05/2014
Opponent: Rangers
Location: Montreal

Loss: 2-7

Habs Goalie: Price (L), Budaj
Opposition Goalie: Lundqvist, (W)

Habs goalscorers: Bourque, Eller
Opposition goalscorers: St. Louis, Zuccarello Kreider, Richards, McDonagh, Stepan, Nash

Revving Up Round 3: Strengths and Weakensses for Canadiens and Rangers

What a pleasure to have to write another one of these. Another series means the Canadiens strengths might be tested in different ways, as well as their weaknesses. To analyze the Rangers is a taller task than the Bruins, as they occupy less of my thoughts on a regular basis. Here goes anyway.


Canadiens strengths


1. Depth of scoring (Same as Bruins series)
This strength remains a core strength. In fact it did the Bruins in. To have Daniel Briere take a 4th line shift is a huge luxury, as is having a revitalized Lars Eller with experienced Gionta and fast Bourque on the 3rd unit.

The fortunate problem of the Canadiens coaching staff right now is the imminent return of Alex Galchenyuk: one of the team's strongest on-puck players. Usually it takes time for a player to go from first contact practice to insertion in the lineup, so don't expect #27 on Saturday. Beyond that, it's a coach's decision. The depth he adds is interesting as he could be inserted onto any of the forward lines to create a change of look and improve talent level throughout.

Game #78 Lottery Losses Look Like This

Details

Date: 30/03/2012
Opponent: Rangers
Location: New York City

Loss: 1-4

Habs Goalie: Price (L)
Opposition Goalie: Lundqvist(W)

Habs goalscorers: Bourque
Opposition goalscorers: Gaborik, Richards, Del Zotto (2)

Play of the game

A game that was not friendly to the aficionado of slick on-ice style made for tough choices. A rare moment of defensive expertise caught my attention early and was never surpassed. Richards breaking in one-on-one with Emelin had us all thinking test for Carey. Emelin sorted it out, though. Simple stride for stride coverage leading Richards into the corner shotless to be dumped onto the ground. He came away with a puck. Emelin will make this team next season, and will do much to help us forget the foolhardy trade for a centre in 2009.

Dome hockey team

The 6 players we're playing in a no changes, do or die contest in the dome

Forwards

David Desharnais
In a game where looking lively is enough, Desharnais is a forward for the dome. I still like that despite his obvious difficulties with hulking defenders, he finds chances each and every game. His two were the best before the goal and he set others up for some that went asking.

Tomas Plekanec
He waited very late to make the most significant (and nearly only) contribution to Habs offense on the night. It was advertised that only he had scored in the Canadiens previous 4 road games. Fitting then that he made the only goal that even Rene Bourque wouldn't miss.

Rene Bourque
Begrudgingly Bourque. I disliked much of what he did, but in that he was amongst many peers. If we have to watch him for more than a few games (and I suppose we do) then I hope he at least stands in front to receive Plekanec's passes and shaves his Lottery Lip Tab.

Defencemen

Frederic St. Denis
He's proving that defense is lower on the new GM's list of worries than forwards are. At 7th/8th/whatever he is on the depth chart, he provides a competent replacement for NHL play. The fact he played 19 uneventful minutes and ended +1 is a good sign. He was on for the Price squeaker to further degrade the PK average, otherwise a good enough night.

PK Subban - Game Puck
The better Subban on the night (which is saying a lot these days). I thought PK once again showed more than any other Canadiens player. I look forward to a time when his cool control and timely blocks mean something once again. Even his shot seems to be getting more dangerous as the year wears on.

Goaltender

Peter Budaj
Carey not making a dome has been a rare thing this season. In fact, when we wanted good dome-worthy performances there were very few slips. So fitting then that he is also delivering a weak night just when the Habs need weak nights in the standings. 4 goals on 29 shots raises questions any time. When a couple of the goals never would have happened against a focused goalie, the questions receive this answer. Strangely, he was also only a hair away from the game puck, as his saves (and there were many) were rare bright points for a checked out squad in this game too.

Comments

Last game, there was some debate over whether players could lose games on purpose. I tend to agree that it's unnatural. But if they could, this is what it would look like. The Canadiens really did nothing to challenge the Rangers net until time was safe, and who knows what they might have done to facilitate goals against had lax coverage not provided for them.

With 4 games to go, it really is critical at this stage that each keeps his eye on this lottery ball. 4 wins would serve no one at all. Each player has enough question marks already that a finishing flourish will not erase, and the majority will be well served by that slightly readier and more skilled apprentice.

This game was interesting for those who do look to the future. One can see a future for the Canadiens, for instance, in the Rangers. Price has not matched Lundqvist's strongest yet, but emulates his style in general. The Canadiens defence is young, learning, mobile and likely capable of delivering what the Rangers kids do and more. What remains to be seen is if the Habs are to be as bold as the Rangers. That team recognized its internal deficiencies and served to cancel them by bumping each and every forward down two notches in depth with free agent signings. These were not Cole/Gionta variety moves, but big, bold actions to obtain established superstars. Unless the Habs do this. Until the Habs do this. The Habs forwards may continue to toil as they have this season.

See you tomorrow. Go Caps?

Game #73Close Game Puts Habs Back In Comfort Of Last Place

Details

Date: 17/03/2012
Opponent: Islanders
Location: Montreal

Loss: 2-3 (SO)

Habs Goalie: Budaj (L)
Opposition Goalie: Montoya (W)

Habs goalscorers: Palushaj, Leblanc (Desharnais, Bourque - SO)
Opposition goalscorers: Streit, Nielsen (1, SO) (Moulson, Bailey - SO)

Play of the game

Subban's good play continued tonight and he was at his best on our second goal. After taking a pass from Budaj (who now has as many points as Engqvist, Staubitz, St. Denis and Geofrrion combined; Peter has played 27 less games than those guys combined) he rushed up the ice and caused confusion. A nice pass found Leblanc open in the slot and the kid went against the stream, upstairs with a backhand. It is the type of goal that only a puck-carrying defenceman can generate and is a big reason why I always take notice when PK takes off.

Dome hockey team

The 6 players we're playing in a no changes, do or die contest in the dome

Forwards

David Desharnais
David played well throughout and scored a spectacular goal in the shootout. Surprisingly he played over 24 minutes of hockey as it has become obvious that the team's goals don't line up with mine.

Louis Leblanc
Leblanc only played 11 minutes and took 2 penalties, but I can't stop thinking about that backhand goal. With 9 points in 33 games I am not sure that he is really going to be the player that all hope for, but when he scores goals like he did tonight it certainly helps to fuel that fire.

Erik Cole
-1 and only 2 shots, but still in the dome, way to go other forwards. Tonight was a chance for guys like Palushaj, White, Bourque or Eller to step up, but again there was nothing. Aarron did score a soft, fluky goal which was long overdue, mind you. I guess there is a reason that Cunneyworth refuses to give ice-time to certain players as they aren't really proving that they deserve it right now.

Defencemen

Andrei Markov
I really enjoyed watching Markov tonight as it makes the games that much easier to sit through. I was also happy to see him back in after missing yesterday's game and wonder if they didn't want him to play two days in a row so soon so sat him yesterday? He almost hit 22 minutes tonight and I am hoping that he stays there for the rest of the year. He has proven he is still elite and is worth hanging on to, so now it is all about getting minutes under the belt; 9 more games then World's please.

PK Subban
Subban has taken all year to get to this point, the point where I feel he is playing some of his best and most consistent hockey as a Hab. Like the Desharnais line it will be hard for him to miss a dome from here on in. And, like Markov, send him to World's too as I feel that could go a long way in healing relationships with other NHLers (seems like no other players or fans like him at all) which may end up helping him down the road.

Goaltender

Peter Budaj - Game Puck
Since no other player really stepped up and Peter played pretty well this seemed like the right choice for the game puck. I thought that he made some great saves, especially that one on the Bailey partial break where he really stretched out to make a toe stop. 9 more games for the Habs means 3 more for Budaj, I think. Both goalies may also go to World's which, again, won't hurt at all.

Comments

Losing in OT when you are unsure about winning or losing being the goal is the worst possible outcome. There is no 'well, at least we killed the other team' feeling, yet you still get saddled with a point. I am not surprised that we are going to OT so much though as teams at this time of the year are very cautious starting at about 15 minutes to go in the third. It seems that most teams are happy to take their chances in the skill contest as long as they are guaranteed a point. I bet that a bad team who was horrible at shootouts would still get 100 points on the year if they 'tied' every game just based on odds. So, you can see why so many bad teams take that route (us and the Islanders have gone to OT a combined 40 times this year, translating into 56 points).

How about a system where coming 9th is better than 15th? Instead of rewarding teams that come last with high draft picks and making fans sit through game upon game that means nothing the league makes finishing higher worth something. No team would rather the first pick than playoffs (if they did, then the current system would still work for them), so, I suggest having 17th get the first overall pick and 30th gets the 14th. Letting Columbus, Edmonton and the Islanders draft high every year doesn't create parity anyway when you think of it. So, how about giving all 30 teams 82 worthwhile games.

Game #55 Habs Write Answers to Trivia Questions As They Clear The Isles in NYC

Details

Date: 09/02/2012
Opponent: Islanders
Location: New York

Win: 4-2

Habs Goalie: Price (W)
Opposition Goalie: Nabokov (L)

Habs goalscorers: Pacioretty (3), Gomez!!!
Opposition goalscorers: Moulson, Streit

Play of the game

Could it be anything but? The time finally came for Scott Gomez to shoot at an open net from a good position. He was instrumental in keeping the PP play alive and had just set up a few brilliant chances earlier, so when the puck flew right to his waiting stick he deserved the time afforded him to snap his first goal in 12 months and a bit home. Might I say, the goal is also a good example of some PP luck going right, as he scored from Cammalleri's spot, something we know Mike couldn't do for an 11% PP.

Dome hockey team

The 6 players we're playing in a no changes, do or die contest in the dome

Forwards

Max Pacioretty - Game Puck
A hat trick from two absolutely fantastic shots beating a good goalie who was ready (ish). These were goalscorers goals, so it's no surprise that Max then is poised to become the first 30-goal man in a little while for the Habs. Apart from the goals he was a threat all night on breaks as he emulated Erik Cole's outside speed and poise. He ended with a ton of shots and attempts (10 and 16, respectively) to show for the fits he gave Islanders defenders.

Mathieu Darche
The very least one can do after calling someone dead wood is admit a good performance when he sees it. Darche has turned his game around of late with some more ice time and is suddenly a noticeably positive force for the good guys. I suspect that this is a good strategy against the Jets and Islanders, but will reserve judgment on its use in Boston games. Nevertheless, he played some good two way hockey while surging for a few chances. Moreover, this pairing with Plekanec has woken the very important player within the turtleneck, a very valuable thing indeed.

Erik Cole
Cole was at ease against the Islanders as he played the sidekick to superhero this time out. Of course, he played that role by doing exactly what he does at his best, creating good chances from almost nothing. It was good to see he and Max find so many openings.

Defencemen

Josh Gorges
The Islanders aren't a strong team full of depth, but as Pierre Houde rightly noted, Tavares is becoming a major handful. A testament to Gorges then that he battled with John for most of the night and came out a winner in the end analysis. I fancied Gorges chances to score that goal on another goalie, as well -- I thought the Nabokov save on him was a great glove grab.

Alexei Emelin
Whenever we complain about the Canadiens, there's usually some gripe that they are not very hard to play against (at least to the observer). But to a season's worth of evidence, Emelin offers them a defender to move towards the solution. He looks hard to play against, and the proof is in a lot of puck recovery and broken attacks. I liked him especially tonight as I noticed he was as determined as anyone. It seems like the rookie is finding his KHL form more and more every new game.

Goaltender

Carey Price
This game was a good example of how timing of goals matters. 57 minutes of shutout hockey gives a team a lot of time to build a lead against a team that also has to think attack. Carey was brilliant in allowing the breathing room for his teammates to go three up, and also to hold that as long as he did. The blemish on the record is only personal (lost a shutout he probably deserved most times). He deserves massive credit for backstopping a very important win here.

Comments

The Habs wrote some answers to future trivia questions tonight. Pacioretty scored his first career hat trick and scored possibly the latest third period goal in Canadiens history. I'm not sure if anyone has ever taken 16 attempts on net in the time it's been recorded either. Gomez, of course, broke his year-long duck. Cunneyworth went on his first three game winning streak. A few of these achievements represent some pretty big monkeys being left to stay in Long Island.

Back monkeys off-loaded, it's still hard to see where the team will go from here.

From all signs they look like players who want to make the playoffs today and who will continue to push a bit harder to get there. But we know that even the best efforts could end in tears because of the record compiled over 52 games, and the GM may not share his players' optimism. What we do know is that no one wants the Maple Leafs in the playoffs, not players, not GM, not many people other than Maple Leafs fans themselves, and so the next game will be approached for glory. A win there and things start to get in that deceptively believable realm again.

Game #45 Habs Dominate Conference Leaders

Details

Date: 15/01/2012
Opponent: Rangers
Location: Montreal

Win: 4-1

Habs Goalie: Budaj (W)
Opposition Goalie: Lundqvist (L)

Habs goalscorers: Pacioretty (2), Blunden, Desharnais
Opposition goalscorers: Mitchell

Play of the game

A speedy Erik Cole takes a smart exit pass and starts our most dangerous line on a rush. As the Rangers' defender cuts him off, he dumps it a little forward for Pacioretty to pick up along the boards. While Cole takes most of the attention charging towards the near post, Pacioretty spins and throws the puck right on the tape of Desharnais, who is in full-stride on the other side of the net. Desharnais tucks it easily behind Lundqvist and seals the deal with the prettiest goal of the evening.

Dome hockey team

The 6 players we're playing in a no changes, do or die contest in the dome

Forwards

Max Pacioretty - Game Puck
A goal in each of the first two periods led the contributions of our top line for this outing. Our leading scorer earlier in the season, Max had a rough December but has hopefully broken his drought and regained some confidence for the months to come. We wanted big things from Pacioretty, and 15 goals in 42 games qualifies. He opened the scoring to put some wind in our sails early, and deflected an Erik Cole point shot for the eventual game-winner in the second. Big goals tonight.

Erik Cole
One thing we talked about early this season was the hope that we might finally have 3 lines that have the potential to score. I'd like to think some of that depth was echoed in a bench interview with Tortorella while we were up 3-1, where he said one of the problems was that "Their fourth line has scored twice." I don't know that this is our fourth line (especially considering we only dressed 11 forwards), but whatever line they are, they put 3 pucks in the net and Cole played a central role in all of these.

David Desharnais
Rounded out an extremely dangerous-looking line and used his speed and hockey sense to create problems for the Rangers all night long. Desharnais has amassed over 30 points in 45 games now, and is making a strong argument that he can take top-line offensive duties.

Defencemen

PK Subban
I've had the impression that Subban is being allowed to play a little more offensively the last couple games. He seemed more selective with his shots tonight, and had a lot more go on-target as a result. He showed good vision on his pass to Gomez to set up the Blunden goal. Didn't take part in total meltdown that allowed the first goal.

Josh Gorges
Not an easy night to round out the defenders, especially for defensive play. We weren't challenged too hard in our own end but Gorges was there to take care of it when we were. His physical play in the second and third periods helped to tie up a Rangers squad that knows how to move the puck and put it in the net.

Goaltender

Peter Budaj
Impressive showing, particularly for a guy who's been on the bench all season. Seriously, this is only Budaj's 6th outing, and only his second in the last 6 weeks or so. Budaj made some good stops early, including a very assertive play well-out of his net early in the second. His kick-save on a shot during the Rangers' power play was one of the prettiest of the game and came at an important moment.

Comments

An encouraging game to watch, for sure. Though the line of Cole/Desharnais/Pacioretty stole the show tonight, much of our forward line stood out tonight. Gomez had a really impressive game, and played the neutral ice and transition game as well as I've seen him do this season or last. He won some battles down low and created some great scoring chances, one of which Blunden put home. Blunden was involved in more real chances than I've ever seen before, and I have to wonder if that wasn't because Gomez was keeping him well-fed. Then I saw Gomez "on the back-check" with about 45 seconds left to go in the third: a bad change, and #11 skating out from the offensive zone at walking pace with his hands on his knees as the Rangers put together one of their better chances of the period.

Bourque was also noticeable in his debut beside Plekanec and actually reminds me of Cole if anyone: he has good speed and size, he likes to hit, and he seems to have good offensive senses. People say that maybe this is a new generation of Canadiens that won't be as skilled or as fast as the last couple of seasons, but I defy them to explain to me how the addition of Cole has slowed down our rush or harmed our offense. I think Bourque is of a similar vein, and could have similar success in a power forward role beside Plekanec and Gionta while bringing some size to the trio. Too bad Gionta's out for the rest of the season.

We started strong in the first and scored a beautiful goal only a couple minutes into it. Maybe 6 or 7 minutes later, we started to run into problems winning battles in our end, getting on loose pucks, and clearing it once we did get a stick on it. The Rangers were able to play a possession game in our end of the rink for a fair stretch of the first period, and that's never good. However, we came out strong after the first intermission and never looked back. We seemed to find some real confidence in the dressing room that translated into 3 goals and some pretty serious domination over the Eastern Conference leaders. We won more battles and did the little things right, and they weren't able to contain our rushes or outplay us in the neutral zone. When that happens, we're a tough team to beat and a lot of fun to watch.

Game #31Montreal Changes The Script In The Third, Win At Home

Details

Date: 13/12/2011
Opponent: Islanders
Location: Montreal

Win: 5-3

Habs Goalie: Price (W)
Opposition Goalie: Montoya (L)

Habs goalscorers: Kostitsyn, Darche, Cole, Nokelainen, Gill
Opposition goalscorers: Moulson, Bailey, Tavares

Play of the game

After New York tied it up I was sure that we were either going to OT or, worse, would lose in regulation. Kostitsyn, however, had different ideas and it was his initiative that led to the winner. A dump-in was made with about 6:30 to play and it looked like the defence would grab it, the Habs would change and the game would continue. Andrei didn't let that happen, though. Instead he chased down the puck, made a beautiful hit to win both body position and the pcuk and kept the play alive in the Isles' end. That play led to good possession which led to Nokelainen, Kostitsyn's eventual replacement, firing home his second of the year.

Dome hockey team

The 6 players we're playing in a no changes, do or die contest in the dome

Forwards

Andrei Kostitsyn
He was close to winning the game-puck tonight, he was that good. He used size and strength to win battles and win pucks, he used it to get off shots or chances that others would not be able to make. His goal was a perfect example of his drive and his incredible shot, his hit on the play-of-the-game was an example of his speed and strength. Tonight's goal was his 9th, in just 21 games.

Erik Cole - Game Puck
Erik can fly out there and because of it generates so many chances for himself and his linemates. Another thing that he does really well is shoot. He has an amazing shot and when he gets passes like he did on his goal (courtesy of the crafty Desharnais) he rarely makes mistakes. His 11th goal (coupled with his slow start) has me firmly believing in 30 from him.

David Desharnais
I must just mention Nokelainen here as his shot, the game-winner, was incredible. Overall, however, I felt that Desh had the stronger game. He picked up two assists including a fantastic one on the PP on Cole's goal. He also did well in the face-off circle at 53%. When he plays as he did tonight he is a legitimate 2nd-line centre and he then adds so much to his wingers' games. Not sure what will happen when Gomez and Gionta are back, but can't say I mind David getting 18+ minutes with a good amount of 2nd unit PP time.

Defencemen

PK Subban
PK played 26 minutes of hockey against New York's best tonight and did a formidable job of containing them. He also, unfortunately, led the team in giveaways which is something that he must work on. He did, however, contribute offensively and picked up an assist, a nice PP assist, on Cole's goal. In the end I am not too worried about his offensive or PP numbers in the end, though. If he can limit the blunders in his own end then he'll be one of the most imposing defensive D-men that we have had in years and that may just be what this team needs from him.

Tomas Kaberle
Tomas only played 17 minutes and was on (looking a bit lost) on New York's tying goal. How can I take away what he does for us offensively though? That is why we got hi, right? He can be the #5 or #6 in our end provided he does what no one else this year has done. And, for his part, he is getting his job done. He collected a third assist tonight, but, more importantly, ran our PP calmy and with authority. He is so good at controlling the middle of the ice, moving the puck and controlling it that we are getting more time in their end on the PP and more shots, just like that. As of now it is looking like a great move that Gauthier has made. But, check back in 2 weeks to see how it's going then.

Goaltender

Carey Price
It was an average night for Carey, but in the end he got the job done and delivered the Habs a rare home win. He did make some good saves down the stretch which enabled the Habs to stay tied. I am sure that he was as happy as you and I when Nokelainen, and then Gill, scored to keep this game to 60 minutes. I'd like to see Budaj get a start before Christmas, but only to give Price a rest. He has been playing well and we have to make sure that he is fit and rested enough for the second half.

Comments

You look at games like this one in October and you pencil in a win. Home to the Islanders, that wouldn't even be funny. The Isles jumped out to a lead, but good plays by both Kostitsyn and Campoli had us right back in it. The Habs then dominated the play until they were up 3-1 after a few seconds in the third. Their good PPs, strong fore-check and solid D didn't matter anymore as it was 'see if we can hang on' time. As is the custom these days the opposition tied it up as the Habs, once again, looked disorganized in their own end. After the tying goal, however, Montreal went for it. Nokelainen's goal gave us the lead again and Gill's unlikely 175' marker gave us the win. New York probably regrets tying it up so early as it lit a fire under the Habs, a fire that sometimes isn't lit until OT.

Kaberle looks like he may be the December PP specialist acquisition we were looking for. Is he the latest in a long line of players that we have found over the past few years that can get the job done? It looks like he may very well be. I am not quite sure about Campoli though. I am glad he is healthy and game-ready, but I am not convinced he is a top-6 on our team (even with Markov out). Let's not forget that Chris was brought in to do what we have now brought Kaberle in to do and I think Tomas will most certainly do it better. So, do we want Campoli over Emelin? I don't. Over Diaz? Probably not. A win is a win and I am thrilled, but I feel that we can't let a guy like Emelin sit too long as wins aren't a given and I think he is certainly part of the solution.

Game #20 Habs Roundhouse Rangers

Details

Date: 19/11/2011
Opponent: Rangers
Location: Montreal

Win: 4-0

Habs Goalie: Price (W)
Opposition Goalie: Biron (L)

Habs goalscorers: Cole, Gionta (2), Plekanec
Opposition goalscorers:

Play of the game

Showing his good hockey sense early in the first, Weber held up the play for a second in his end to clear the ice ahead of him a little and start out from the zone. He spotted a streaking Cole on the right wing and put a pass into his skates. Cole slipped past the defender on the outside and cut into the faceoff circle to unleash a blistering shot over Garon's Biron's right shoulder and pick the top corner. A key power play goal that set the pace for the Habs and established an early lead that they never let go.

Dome hockey team

The 6 players we're playing in a no changes, do or die contest in the dome

Forwards

Tomas Plekanec
It's nice putting Pleks back in the dome. I feel like the last couple times I've blogged the game haven't been his best performances. Tonight he was a force to be reckoned with—especially on special teams—and logged his 20th point in 20 games.

Brian Gionta
Another player I'm glad to put in the dome tonight, as I think our captain has also been all too quiet lately. Two beauty goals tonight earn him dome status, and it's worth noting that both these goals came off passes from Gomez. Do we dare hope that this is the start of something good?

Erik Cole - Game Puck
Despite a slow start to the season, Cole has become a key piece of the offensive puzzle. He is a consistent source of offensive pressure and no slouch in his own end, either. Tonight was no exception and he set the tone early on for his teammates with a welcome PP goal, and continued a 5-game, 7-point streak with a goal and an assist tonight.

Defencemen

P.K. Subban
With so many of our defense corps injured, we relied on sophomore Subban to play the role of grizzled defensive veteran tonight. He ably shouldered the responsibility and logged workhorse minutes in his own end and on the penalty kill. He kept in the defensive mindset very well and was a key piece of Price's shutout tonight.

Yannick Weber
Weber was another unlikely "veteran" tonight, and it was clear that he was playing the role of puck-moving defender with a green light to shoot. He did that very well and is developing into a strong PP quarterback as well as showing good judgement and defensive sense.

Goaltender

Carey Price
Price wasn't tested as much as he could have been, as overall the team was very good at chasing pucks in their own end, controlling rebounds and keeping any extended pressure from developing. New York still managed some great chances on the run, and his cross-crease save on Gaborik early in the first was spectacular. A flurry of chances in the dying minutes were his toughest test this evening, and he weathered them easily to walk away with a second straight shutout.

Comments

An exciting game to watch, especially through the first period. The Canadiens dominated this one pretty decisively and never really allowed the Rangers to set up shop in the offensive zone. Garon Biron didn't play badly and had some good saves, but ultimately New York couldn't stop us from playing to our strengths. We chased pucks hard and won a lot more than we lost, and we seemed to be able to walk into their zone at will all game. Some solid breakout passing from Diaz and Weber created goals out of nowhere twice tonight, and it was relieving to see our veteran forwards stepping up to take the spotlight off Pacioretty and Desharnais for what feels like the first time in a while.

For once, our power play didn't seem so pathetic as usual. We went 2/6 (compared to 10/72 before tonight) and had convincing offense during all of them (if only for the last 40 seconds on the 5th PP thanks to strong play from Cammalleri and Diaz). It was encouraging to see some sign of our previous dominance, and both Diaz and Weber are developing into able quarterbacks in the absence of Markov and with Subban being asked to play a more stay-at-home role while Gill, Spacek and Campoli are out. I'm impressed with their vision and patience, as frustrating as it can be sometimes during extended passing bouts on the power play.

Overall a solid showing from an offensively fired-up unit. New York let us have a fair amount of space this game, and that allowed us to use our speed and some smart passing from our young defensemen to play our kind of game. When we're given that space and allowed to play that kind of run-and-gun hockey I think this is a tough squad to beat.

Game #19 Budaj With The Better Aebischer Tribute On Swiss Night

Details

Date: 16/11/2011
Opponent: Islanders
Location: New York

Loss: 3-4

Habs Goalie: Budaj (L)
Opposition Goalie: DiPietro (W)

Habs goalscorers: Pacioretty, Cole, Gionta
Opposition goalscorers: Parenteau, Pandolfo, Streit, Moulson

Play of the game

3-0 down, the Habs looked like they might just check out. But about 13 minutes into the second period, the Habs did something they very rarely do. They took the puck and they penned it in the Islanders zone for what felt like a minute or more. So long, in fact, that they actually performed a line change while keeping up the application of pressure. Subban was involved, Gomez was in on it. In all about 10 players were. It certainly changed the outlook. Less than a couple of minutes later, Eller intercepted a puck and fed Pacioretty for the goal that confirmed the sea change.

Dome hockey team

The 6 players we're playing in a no changes, do or die contest in the dome

Forwards

Tomas Plekanec - Game Puck
Not exactly sure how he keeps doing it year after year, but Plekanec is again creeping up the assist leader board. At this point he stands at tied 7th in the NHL thanks to 2 assists in this one. Tonight he did it with little plays, the first keeping the puck under pressure to feed it back, the second keeping the puck until he saw a white shirt. Doing the little things right is a repeated cliche in this league, but in a game like this one can see why the player who does the little things right in the offensive zone gets the assists while the ones who don't always take care of all the details get none.

Michael Cammalleri
Canadiens fans breathe. Cammalleri is injured in name, but he's playing better to start this season than he has done in all his years here. Like many goalscorers he can disappear from view, but when good chances wake you from your haze, it's often the Cammalleri name you here. Tonight it was a few creep ins on the PP, once hitting the post and a fantastic move (if not pass) to settle the final Habs goal.

Brian Gionta
You can't blame Brian for his Gomez minutes, we can only blame the coach for thinking in that mode again. Gionta like the rest of the Habs didn't play a complete game, but in scoring that amazing 3rd goal displayed his amazing will and skill. I'd have him on the ice against the Isles any time I could.

Defencemen

PK Subban
PK was on for a couple of goals against. One he scored for the Isles. I'd argue that he was a bit unlucky to come out looking the worst of the Habs Dmen on the stats page. Less than a quarter of a second NHL season behind him and there's no question that PK will play 27 minutes all of a sudden. It's a heck of a rise to prominence in this sometimes youth averse organization. And when we dwell on mistakes we tend to overlook all the good that he does the rest of the time. At those times, he's usually the Dman you'd want on the ice, and hence the dome.

Frederic St Denis
Take a group of fans who get impatient at any November loss, a GM whose decisions are under the microscope and a coach who'd rather play any veteran than rookie and you get quite a situation for Step to step into in Montreal. 2 games into his NHL career, he's doing just fine. Of course he makes the dome because fine on this night looks mighty good.

Goaltender

Carey Price
Budaj had the headstart over Nabokov and then DiPietro in the effort to pay tribute to David Aebischer on this special night for Swiss hockey. At times, you'd have thought you were watching the previous #30 in the blue paint. He made some vintage giveaways and posted a fitting 0.879 save percentage. Carey Price would have done better (at stopping pucks, not emulating 2007 DA30), so he's in the dome.

Comments

What I saw in this game was an opponent that was ready for what they thought they'd be up against. Montreal allows you to take shots from the outside? Great, we'll take those and then work pretty hard to get the rebounds form them.

The Islanders did well to exploit the Canadiens weaknesses and were frankly lucky that Carey Price needed a night off. They need a plan like that at this point to win, but Tavares is noticeably better than the last time we all saw him and I wouldn't be surprised if we don't recognise him much at all the next time we see him. He's slick on the puck and has that drive to get goals that often seems to lack on many teams.

This loss will not go down in the record books as a good game for the Canadiens, but it's not going to derail their season. They suffered a bad ten minutes and paid dearly for it, but they can at least take hope from the fact they almost and really should have been back in it by 60 minutes.

Carolina and the Isles weren't good prep for the impressive Rangers, but this loss may just be what is needed to focus the players into tightening up their play and passes else lose bigger to a team that can really punish and close a game.

All joking aside, it's wonderful to see a game in the NHL with 4 Swiss players. The Davos hockey club is one of the very oldest hockey teams in the world and their Spengler Cup is only a few years the minor of the NHL. Swiss hockey has long tradition and its wonderful to see how their players adapt and thrive in the biggest league in the world. All the more wonderful being that it was the Habs who really enabled this to happen. Hats off to Streit too for scoring in the game.