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 11 opened on Monday night with a home game against the Carolina Hurricanes. Carey Price was in net for his 300th career NHL game, with Justin Peters taking his position between the pipes at the other end of the ice. In the pre-game ceremony, P.K. Subban was presented with the Molson Cup for the month of March. After a goal by Jordan Staal in the opening period, the Hurricanes could not mount any more offense. The Canadiens outshot Carolina 29-19, with a power play goal by Andrei Markov in the 1st period. Nathan Beaulieu earned his first career NHL point with an assist on a second period goal by Jeff Halpern. It was Max Pacioretty’s two goals in the final 20 minutes, including an empty-netter, which sealed the 4-1 win for Montreal.
Next up, on trade deadline day, the Habs traveled to Philadelphia to take on the Flyers at the Wells Fargo Center. While no trades were made, newly acquired Davis Drewiske would suit up for his debut game with the Canadiens. The Habs took command early in the game with a goal scored by Alexei Emelin but consecutive scraps involving Travis Moen and Brandon Prust gave Philadelphia an energy boost. Despite Prust and David Desharnais both scoring goals in the second period, the Habs only managed to get six shots on goal in the final 40 minutes of the game. Carey Price played solidly and did the best he can to keep his team in the game, but a sluggish defense allowed Philadelphia to come back for a 5-3 win.
The following night, back in Montreal, the Canadiens faced off against the Winnipeg Jets. Carey Price had the night off which meant Peter Budaj found himself protecting the Habs goal. Tomas Plekanec was out with a groin injury sustained in the Philadelphia game. The Canadiens were outshot yet again, this time 34-17, but the offense was clicking. Power play goals by Michael Ryder and Brian Gionta, along with even-strength goals by Ryder and Alex Galchenyuk ensured that the Habs came out on top with a final score of 4-1.
Finally, on Saturday night, the Canadiens and their fans brought tons of energy into the Bell Centre for a tilt against their bitter rivals, the Boston Bruins. It was the last time the Habs and Bruins would face each other in the regular season, and the home team gave their supporters a win to celebrate. Shots on goal were evenly matched at 29-27, with the Canadiens having the slight edge. A goal by Alex Galchenyuk (his fifth of the season) and a power play goal by Michael Ryder were all that was needed to beat the Bruins. Carey Price played excellently in net, even garnering the praise of Bruins fan Don Cherry during the first intermission. Alexei Emelin left the game in the first period after suffering a lower body injury from a collision with Milan Lucic.
With the win against Boston, the Canadiens have now reclaimed the top spot in the Northeast Division. They have a couple of days to recharge before their next game, at the Bell Centre, when the Washington Capitals come into town.
All Habs Weekly Three Stars
Last week, the Montreal Canadiens played four games and earned six points.
1st Star: Michael Ryder
Ryder tallied three goals and an assist during the week.
2nd Star: Carey Price
Price earned two wins giving up just one goal in each.
3rd Star: Max Pacioretty
Pacioretty registered two goals and two assists.
Honorable Mention: P.K. Subban
Subban contributed five assists this week.
Who were your three stars of the week?