Habs celebrate big win in NYC
The Montreal Canadiens make it 6 in a row with a 3-1 win over the Rangers in New York Tuesday night. The game could have easily bagged fans free wings at le cage if not for a great game by Henrik Lundqvist who made 33 saves in the losing effort. The Canadiens completely dominated this game from start to finish. They got goals from Glen Metropolit on the power play; Sergei Kostitsyn scored the winner, his 4th goal in the last 3 games, and Tomas Plekanec into the empty net. The Canadiens continue to get strong performances from their third and fourth lines who continue to pressure the opposition in their zone, and are responsible on defence. Dominic Moore (8 points in 10 games since joining the Habs), Travis Moen, Mathieu Darche, Glen Metropolit, Max Lapierre (who is played as if his spot in the line up was at stake) and Sergei Kostitsyn have provided the spark for the team and support to the top two lines. They play hard, smart, responsible and have come up with some VERY timely goals. It has been a revelation to watch this team play over the past 8 games. They are organized, they have a plan, they stick to their assignment and they all understand their roles on the team. The Rangers, who have their issues with scoring didn’t seem to be playing desperate enough in this game to deserve the win. Through two periods the Habs held a 27-11 shot advantage, and again, had it not been for Lundqvist the score could have been a lot worse. It was as if the Rangers have given up on the game before it started. Jaroslav Halak wasn’t really called upon to do much of anything in this game, as the best change the Rangers had to tie the game saw Vinny Prospal shoot wide. While Halak was not busy, he did seem to be fighting the puck at times, which is why the Canadiens team defensive effort was so crucial. They limited the Rangers chances, and cleared most rebounds, rarely leaving any 2nd or 3rd opportunities for the blue shirts. The lone Ranger goal, scored by Sean Avery, was shot from a bad angle and took a deflection. This line up continues to get stronger and stronger, and with the injured coming back soon (or so they say) who is supposed to come out of the line up? I know I said Lapierre, but he played a fantastic game against the Rangers, and perhaps the suspension was the kick in the butt he needed? Or maybe he realises that his spot is far from a sure thing.
This win was especially important because it puts the Canadiens at 78 points with 11 games left, 7 clear of the Rangers, which almost guarantees this team a playoff spot. It was also big because the Flyers lost 4-3 (SO) to Nashville which means the Canadiens are now in 6th place in the East, although the Flyers still hold 3 games in hand. The Bruins won their game, 5-2, over Carolina keeping pace at 74 points with 2 games in hand. The Senators continue to struggle, dropping a 4-1 decision to the Maple Leafs. The loss leave Ottawa one point up on Montreal with one game in hand, and also make the game Monday March 22nd a massive one in determining the standings in the east. Montreal is done playing teams chasing them, and now can only look to teams they could catch. Ottawa, right now, is playing as if they do not want to make the playoffs, losing 3 in a row and 8 of their last 10. The Canadiens do have a favourable final three games (Islanders, Hurricanes and Leafs all at the Bell Center) their next 8 are going to determine where the finish in the Eastern Conference. The Habs don’t play again until Saturday against the Leafs in Toronto, then its home to the Sens (March 22), at The Sabres (March 24), home to the Panthers (March 25), Home to the Devils (March 27), home to the Hurricanes (March 31), at the Flyers (April 2) and home to the Sabres (April 3). Twice they play 3 games in 4 nights and play 8 games in 13 days. It will be a grind.
For those of us who are keeping an eye on the Canadiens competition in the East with all their games in hand, The Flyers and Bruins are both playing on Thursday, so we can all see how they use one of those coveted games in hand. Games in hand are valuable, but only mean something if you take the points away from them, and Boston have to play Pittsburgh, which will be an emotional game for sure (see Matt Cooke hit Marc Savard) and the Flyers play Dallas. With the Habs white hot right now, neither team can afford to slip up. From the Canadiens point of view, all they can keep doing is winning which will continue putting pressure on these teams to keep pace. As I have pointed out, the Canadiens have a favourable final three games, while Boston play the Capitals twice, the Sabres and Hurricanes in their last 4 games and The Flyers get the Red Wings, Leafs and then back to back (home and home) against the Rangers, which could be big depending on what the Rangers do between now and then. By this time, the games will more or less even, and these games down the stretch will really decide who ends up where in the East.
Some quick questions:
How many points to you see the Habs getting down the stretch?
Who has impressed you the most on this recent run?
What does your line up look like when the injured come back?
That’s all for now
Happy St. Patty’s day
-Connor Lapalme
Another great article keep them coming
Great article. The Habs are on fire! Count us in as a Stanley Cup contender. All we need is Cammy and our No. 2 powerplay and we are set for the playoffs.