The Canadiens win again for the third time now, and not against a team that isn't making the playoff, but against another hot team recently, the Flyers. After the Senators and the Canucks, two teams that were on a very good streak, we all wondered if it was only luck, or are they really back. Last night's game gave us a good indication of the answer we have all been wondering for a while. The fact that the Habs have let in two fast goals in the beginning of the first period showed us that the Habs still aren't on top of their game yet. They are still struggling defensively. But, if we look back a few weeks ago, when the Habs were in that slump, they would have never got back into the game. They would have let in a few more goals and just give up. They would lose their concentration and feel powerless against top notch teams. This isn't the case last night. They have showed that they have character. They kept their focus and was able to capitalized on the PP. Nice goal from Plekanec by the way. They then took advantage of the momentum shift while the Flyers were lost on the ice to score two quick goals. It only took us 2 minutes to score these 3 goals. Even though the Flyers have a weak defensive team, they shouldn't allow that many goals in such a short period of time.
Plekanec and Kovalev have played a very good game again. Plekanec with 1 goal and 1 assist. He is really on fire now, he seems to have gotten back his game. Kovalev gave us another good performance with 1 goal and 2 assists. Jaroslav Halak gave us another great performance, he was very solid during the whole game. We can't blame him on any of the three goals. It was either an error made by his teammates or it was a lucky goal. He also made a few incredible saves. I didn't even know how he did it. I was sure it would be a goal. I am very pleased the way he is playing recently. Saku Koivu had a few good chances in offense, but it is his defensive play again that stands out. Also, he has done very well on the faceoffs, especially the 4 or 5 wins in OT that led to the Schneider's goal.
I seem to be repeating myself over and over about this, but the Habs are taking too many penalties. We gave them 9 powerplays! Twice, we gave them 5 on 3. Against the best team in league in powerplay at home, we should stay disciplined. Very good performance by the PK unit again. In the last two games, we have given the other team 2 times 2-man advantage in the game and was able to get out of it perfect. We better not give more of those, because it won't stay like this forever. Another bad game for Mike Komisarek, he is one of my favourite Habs and I hate to seem him give up the puck and turnovers like this. He is making mistake over mistake. As I said in previous posts, maybe we should give him some rest like Kovalev. It is only a matter of time that his mistakes will cost us the game.
It was also Glen Metropolit's first game with the Habs and the first game versus his former team. What an odd situation. He was in practice with the Flyers in the morning and he had to play against them at night. When I first heard of this news, I was disappointed by Gainey's move, because we had just traded Begin and saved some cap space. If we can trade Dandenault, we would have more room for an impact player before the trade deadline. By claiming Glen Metropolit, it somehow just cancelled the cap space we just created. Does this mean that Bob Gainey has finished his shopping? This is what I was disappointed of. In the other hand, we didn't give anyone in return for him. He will add some depth in our team. It isn't Kyle Chipchura that could help us in the long run like in the playoffs. Kyle is still young and lack experience. Glen will help us right away with his experience.
Habs Vs Sharks
Tonight, the Habs will have to face the best team in the NHL. The Sharks will be a good measuring stick for the Canadiens. We will be able to see if we can compete with them. I don't expect the Habs to win, but I hope that we will put up a fight and have a good and exciting game. If we come out with a tight game, win or lose, it will give a very good boost to the confidence level to the Canadiens players and could only benefit them. Halak will be playing a fourth straight game, he deserves it. Also, Claude Lemieux is back to Montreal after making an impressive comeback to the NHL with the Sharks. It would be interesting to see how he will perform tonight against the Habs in front of family and friends at the Bell Center. Good game everyone.
Plekanec and Kovalev have played a very good game again. Plekanec with 1 goal and 1 assist. He is really on fire now, he seems to have gotten back his game. Kovalev gave us another good performance with 1 goal and 2 assists. Jaroslav Halak gave us another great performance, he was very solid during the whole game. We can't blame him on any of the three goals. It was either an error made by his teammates or it was a lucky goal. He also made a few incredible saves. I didn't even know how he did it. I was sure it would be a goal. I am very pleased the way he is playing recently. Saku Koivu had a few good chances in offense, but it is his defensive play again that stands out. Also, he has done very well on the faceoffs, especially the 4 or 5 wins in OT that led to the Schneider's goal.
I seem to be repeating myself over and over about this, but the Habs are taking too many penalties. We gave them 9 powerplays! Twice, we gave them 5 on 3. Against the best team in league in powerplay at home, we should stay disciplined. Very good performance by the PK unit again. In the last two games, we have given the other team 2 times 2-man advantage in the game and was able to get out of it perfect. We better not give more of those, because it won't stay like this forever. Another bad game for Mike Komisarek, he is one of my favourite Habs and I hate to seem him give up the puck and turnovers like this. He is making mistake over mistake. As I said in previous posts, maybe we should give him some rest like Kovalev. It is only a matter of time that his mistakes will cost us the game.
It was also Glen Metropolit's first game with the Habs and the first game versus his former team. What an odd situation. He was in practice with the Flyers in the morning and he had to play against them at night. When I first heard of this news, I was disappointed by Gainey's move, because we had just traded Begin and saved some cap space. If we can trade Dandenault, we would have more room for an impact player before the trade deadline. By claiming Glen Metropolit, it somehow just cancelled the cap space we just created. Does this mean that Bob Gainey has finished his shopping? This is what I was disappointed of. In the other hand, we didn't give anyone in return for him. He will add some depth in our team. It isn't Kyle Chipchura that could help us in the long run like in the playoffs. Kyle is still young and lack experience. Glen will help us right away with his experience.
Habs Vs Sharks
Tonight, the Habs will have to face the best team in the NHL. The Sharks will be a good measuring stick for the Canadiens. We will be able to see if we can compete with them. I don't expect the Habs to win, but I hope that we will put up a fight and have a good and exciting game. If we come out with a tight game, win or lose, it will give a very good boost to the confidence level to the Canadiens players and could only benefit them. Halak will be playing a fourth straight game, he deserves it. Also, Claude Lemieux is back to Montreal after making an impressive comeback to the NHL with the Sharks. It would be interesting to see how he will perform tonight against the Habs in front of family and friends at the Bell Center. Good game everyone.
No comments:
Post a Comment