by Amy Johnson, Video Producer and Sara, Video Editor, All Habs Hockey Magazine
MONTREAL, QC — Need to get caught up on Habs highlights? Want to relive the memorable moments of the past week?
Then All Habs Rewind is for you.
Every Sunday watch the most unforgettable goals, saves, hits by your Montreal Canadiens compiled by our video production team! Then tell us which one you liked most in the comments section below.
Week 16 wasn’t an easy journey for the Montreal Canadiens, despite only requiring a short trip down the highway to take on their next-door neighbours, the Ottawa Senators, for the first two games of the week. Sunday night’s game began with an early 5-on-3 power play in which the Sens potted their first goal of the night. Shortly after, Rene Bourque responded with a power play goal of his own. But from there out, things devolved quickly on the ice. The game was chippy, physical, and frustrations boiled over resulting in full-out line brawls. Collectively, the two teams amassed more than 200 penalty minutes and a total of nine players received game misconducts. By the end of the game, the players’ benches held only sparse skeleton crews. Defensive play broke down completely, allowing Jean-Gabriel Pageau to score not only his first NHL goal, but his first NHL hat trick as well. Adding insult to injury, Senators coach Paul MacLean opted to use his timeout merely 17 seconds before the 6-1 game was over – a move that Michel Therrien labeled “classless”. (Read our full review of the game here: Senators vs Canadiens Game 3 Recap: Coaching With Emotion)
Two nights later, the Habs found themselves back on the Sens ice in a game that was held much closer on the score sheet but ended with the same disappointment. After a scoreless first period, the Canadiens took a 2-0 lead with P.K. Subban and Alex Galchenyuk both finding the back of Craig Anderson’s net within about a minute of each other. Despite Brian Gionta and Ryan White being added to the injury list and not playing, things were looking up as the final period began. Then Ottawa scored to pull within one goal, Brandon Prust left the game with a shoulder injury, and Carey Price tweaked something in his leg. The Senators managed to squeak in a tying goal with 22 seconds left in the game. Price’s injury did not allow him to return for the overtime period, leaving Peter Budaj to come in cold off the bench. Kyle Turris potted the game winner for Ottawa. (Read our full review of the game here: Senators vs Canadiens Game 4 Recap: “We Deserved a Better Fate“)
So a season full of ups and downs, and a Round 1 playoff series full of bitterness and injuries came down to a must-win Game 5 for the Montreal Canadiens on home ice at the Bell Centre. The key factor in tonight’s game would turn out to be the injury Carey Price sustained in the previous matchup. Peter Budaj took his place between the pipes, and the Senators took advantage of his weaknesses early on. P.K. Subban scored a power play goal for the Canadiens in the first period, but that’s where the scoring would end for the Habs. Ottawa capitalized on three power play goals, a shorthanded goal, and a couple of even strength goals to rout the Canadiens 6-1 for the second time this week. It was a heartbreaking way for the Canadiens and their fans to watch their season come to a close. (Read our full review of the game here: Senators vs Canadiens Game 5 Recap: “It sucks. It’s not a good feeling.”)
The Ottawa Senators have a few days to rest before moving on to Round 2 in the playoffs, where they’ll meet up with the Pittsburgh Penguins.
All Habs Weekly Three Stars
Last week, the Montreal Canadiens began the playoffs by splitting the first two games of their best of 7 series with the Ottawa Senators.
1st Star: Tomas Plekanec
Plekanec had three assists this week.
2nd Star: P.K. Subban
Subban had two goals.
3rd Star: Rene Bourque
Bourque scored once this week.
Who were your three stars of the week?