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 14 began much the same way as last week did: with a struggling Habs team continuing a losing streak, much to the chagrin of fans. The Canadiens found themselves on the road, traveling first to New Jersey to take on the Devils. Carey Price and Martin Brodeur took their positions in net, but it was the Devils that had all the offense to kick things off. After finding themselves down 3-0 in the second period, a power play goal by Max Pacioretty and an even-strength goal by Lars Eller gave fans some hope for a comeback. Unfortunately, the Canadiens could not muster another goal, leaving them with five losses in the last six games.
Next up came an energetic game in Winnipeg against a Jets team desperate to sneak into the 8th place playoff position. The MTS Centre was roaring with fans, many taunting Carey Price in net. Again, the Canadiens got off to a sloppy start – with Price making some tremendous saves to keep the game close. Rene Bourque found the back of the net in the second period, sparking a bit of life into the team. But during the second intermission, news trickled into the Jets dressing room that wins by other teams in the conference had guaranteed they could not advance past the regular season. They returned to the ice for the last period of play looking deflated and playing with much less heart. The Habs took advantage, with goals scored by Brendan Gallagher, David Desharnais, and Max Pacioretty. Their win clinched a home ice advantage in Round 1 of the playoffs. (Read the entire game review here – Canadiens vs Jets Recap: Habs Get a Gift-Wrapped Ticket Home)
Finally, the regular season wrapped up on Saturday night with a game in Toronto against the Maple Leafs (who for the first time in nine years are heading to the playoffs). In what should have been a raucous rivalry game, the Habs skated away with a win that Toronto practically handed over to them. Phil Kessel put the Leafs on the board in the first period, but that was where the goal scoring ended for the Leafs. In fact, they only managed one measly shot on goal in the entire second period, which was just fine with goaltender Peter Budaj who was in net to allow Carey Price some rest before the playoffs. That kind of sluggish play allowed the Canadiens to score enough goals to chase James Reimer out of the net. Lars Eller, Andrei Markov, Brendan Gallagher, and Tomas Plekanec all found the back of the net and helped the Habs to their 4-1 win.
All eyes now turn to the post-season as the Habs and their fans anxiously await the final word on who they will face in the first round of the 2013 NHL playoffs. Stay tuned to All Habs Hockey Magazine – we’ll be covering every second of playoff action!
All Habs Weekly Three Stars
Last week, the Montreal Canadiens played three games and earned four of a possible six points.
1st Star: Lars Eller
An impressive week for Eller with two goals and and four assists for a six-point week.
2nd Stars: Brendan Gallagher
Gallagher had two goals and an assist during the week.
3rd Stars: Alex Galchenyuk
Galchenyuk had a three-assist week.
Who were your three stars of the week?