All Habs Rewind – Despite Speed Bumps, Habs Hold Lead

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 12 began with a home game for the Habs against the Washington Capitals.  Rene Bourque found himself back in the lineup, and Nathan Beaulieu was called up to take the place of injured Alexei Emelin.  Lars Eller got the scoring started for the Canadiens in the first period, and then potted another one in the third.  Despite his solid efforts, however, Eller found himself on the bench in the final minutes of the game as the Habs tried to tie the game with a third goal, to no avail.  The 3-2 loss was the first one they’ve given up to a team in the Southeast division this season, and it left many people wondering why Eller wasn’t on the ice.  Check out this article by our own Rick Stephens for more on this hot topic, where he touches on some of the decisions (good and bad) made by Montreal’s new management and coaches so far this season: The Curious Tale of Marc Bergevin and Michel Therrien

Next up, the Canadiens headed to Buffalo on Thursday night to take on a struggling Buffalo Sabres team.  Just one day after signing a $2.8 million contract extension, Peter Budaj took his place between the pipes with Ryan Miller playing in net for the opposition.  Jeff Halpern took the ice for his 900th career NHL game.  The Habs offensive had plenty of energy with goals scored by Rene Bourque and Alex Galchenyuk in the first period, Brendan Gallagher and Andrei Markov in the second, and P.K. Subban in the third period.  (The goals by Markov and Subban were power play goals.)  The 5-1 win pushed the Habs back into first place in the Northeast division, while also clinching them a spot in this year’s playoffs.

Saturday night brought a rivalry road game as the Habs traveled to Toronto for a matchup against the Leafs.  Not much was clicking for the Canadiens in the first period though, as the Leafs scored again and again through breakdowns in the defensive zone.  Carey Price was replaced mid-period, after which Davis Drewiske finally lit the lamp for the visiting team.  But a goalie change wouldn’t be enough.  The end of the first period found the Habs down 4-1, while fighting off ugly physical play from Nazem Kadri.  The misery continued through the rest of the game, with the Leafs winning 5-1.

You can read the full Canadiens – Leafs recap here: Better Off Leaving New Gear, Truculence at Home.

The Canadiens now gear up for a four-game week, starting with a tilt at home against the Philadelphia Flyers on Monday night.

All Habs Weekly Three Stars

Last week, the Montreal Canadiens played three games and earned just two points.

1st Star: Alex Galchenyuk
Galchenyuk tallied two goals and an assist during the week.

2nd Star: Lars Eller
Eller lit the lamp twice this week.

3rd Star: Brendan Gallagher
Gallagher registered a goal and an assist.

Who were your three stars of the week?