Written by LadyE, AllHabs

MONTREAL, QC — Bliss.

That is the emotion felt by many after the Montreal Canadiens won their second shootout this season — it was against the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Yes just their second.

In a season that has been riddled with injuries, and terrible losses, last night’s win was like a cool breeze on a sultry summer’s eve.

Will it continue?

I believe it will. The team’s reaction to this win was simply unforgettable.

Lars Eller said it best.  He was asked about the reaction of the players who were standing, watching the shootout and then exploded off the bench after the winning goal:

“It’s just a huge boost for us. We had a lot of games this season where it’s bouncing right on the edge, its gonna go one side or the other, and finally it went our way for once, and that’s just a good feeling. Close games like this where you battle and stay in it and its back and forth like that it just makes it that much better. I feel really good for Carey and finally some of us guys could put it in the net and that helps too.” — Lars Eller

I think they are very pleased with themselves!

Here the team stands, with 29 games left in the season, in 13th place clawing towards that coveted eighth spot, the trade deadline looming like a dark spector, and our boys in the Bleu Blanc Rouge are winning.

Yet something keeps gnawing at me.

I just can’t get him out of my mind.

I replay those interviews over and over again, in my head and see the hurt in his eyes and the frustration in his voice.

Josh Gorges, my warrior, gave a couple of heart wrenching interviews that summarize the angst that the team was feeling.

On February 2, 2012, right after the loss in New Jersey, Gorges said, “I felt that we deserved a better fate. A couple of bad breaks, bad bounces, I mean that’s the difference. We just gotta find ways to keep these leads and win these games because time is running out.”

When a reporter said “you seem very down” Gorges replied in an exasperated voice, “Of course I am! We just lost a huge game!” He added, ” I am not looking at any other teams and what they’re doing. My focus is on our team and what we need to do.”

After the February 4th loss to the Washington Capitals, Gorges spoke to the media.

As we know, one player’s heart and soul does not indicate that ALL are on board with it. Gorges, without a doubt, has a BIG heart and it has “CH” written all over it.

Is it enough? If the Habs follow Gorges’ lead and put their heart and soul out on the ice, then it is enough.

Do they have what it takes to get to that next level?

Randy Cunneyworth, when asked how is it that the team plays so well against the top clubs, and not so well against poorer teams, replied with the following.

“It’s about pride, more than anything it’s about pride. On nights when you’re playing top teams if you’re not at your best, you will be embarrassed by them, and I think that’s what keeps you on the top of your game, and that says alot about the group. It says that they’re ready to compete, they have it in them, potentially they have that ability, to compete against the best teams. I think that’s what it really means.”

Randy Cunneyworth believes.

The players believe.

I believe.