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.
It was a week of winning for the Montreal Canadiens, but just barely in most cases. Four games, four wins, all by only one goal. The week began with a home game against the New Jersey Devils. In what would be a commonality throughout the week, the game started very slowly for the Habs. Scoring for the Canadiens opened up in the second period with a goal by Rene Bourque and a power play goal by Max Pacioretty. Another common thread throughout the entire season, Carey Price‘s stellar netminding, was a factor yet again, making 28 saves and keeping his team in the game. Alex Galchenyuk knocked in the go-ahead goal in the third period, and the Devils were unable to recover. Final score: Canadiens, 3-2. (Read our full recap here: Price Holds the Fort Til Habs Arrive)
The second part of the Habs’ home-and-home tilt against the Devils continued on Wednesday night, this time on the road in Newark. Peter Budaj took up residence in the Canadiens’ net on this night, and would be mightily tested. In what seemed like a repeat of the previous game, the first forty minutes were very sluggish for the Habs, even with a goal scored by Brian Gionta in the opening period. It was the third period that really stirred things up, after the Devils came out and scored two quick goals. With less than four minutes remaining, Lars Eller tied things up again. Then, with just over a minute left in the game, Patrick Elias potted a goal for New Jersey, but the Canadiens rebounded and David Desharnais redirected a shot from Gionta to tie the game once again in the waning seconds of regulation. Eller and Desharnais would score again in the shootout to seal another victory for the Canadiens. Final score: Canadiens, 4-3 (SO). (Read our full recap here: From Yawn-Fest to Frenzied Finish)
There was no rest for the weary as the Canadiens traveled back to Montreal for a matchup against their rivals the Boston Bruins the very next night. Things started off a little rocky with Johnny Boychuk being stretchered off the ice early in the first period after going awkwardly into the boards after a hit by Max Pacioretty. The Habs continued their trend with a slow first period and finally got on the board in the second period with goals by Tomas Plekanec and Pacioretty. Carey Price was a brick wall yet again and held off any attempts at a Bruins comeback. With the win, the Canadiens moved into first place in the Atlantic Division. Final score: Canadiens, 2-1. (Read our full recap here: Price Carries Habs to First in Atlantic)
Finally, on Saturday night, the Habs wrapped up their week on home ice against the Buffalo Sabres. The first period was (you guessed it) very slow, with both teams combining for a total of nine shots on goal. And again it was the second period which proved to be the best for the Canadiens. Brandon Prust, Plekanec, and Galchenyuk all scored to give their team a fifth straight win and retain the top spot in their division. Final score: Canadiens, 3-2. (Read our full recap here: 20 Minute Effort Secures Fifth Straight Win)
The Canadiens have one more home game, against the Kings before taking to the road to head to Philadelphia and New York. Until then, we’ve got plenty of content to keep you busy reading about your favourite team! In case you missed them, here are a few fantastic articles published earlier this week:
Andrei Markov, P.K. Subban: Teacher and Student
Out of the Red, White and Blue: Subban, Markov, Emelin, Desharnais, Pacioretty, Avalanche
Brandy Saturley to Unveil #IconicCanuck Exhibition
All Habs Three Weekly Stars
1st Star: Carey Price
Price has undoubtedly been the MVP for the Canadiens first 31 games of the season adding three wins this week.
2nd Star: Tomas Plekanec
Plekanec continued to demonstrate his defensive effectiveness going plus-4 on the week and adding two goals and two assists.
3rd Star: Alex Galchenyuk
Galchenyuk made good use of his sometimes sparse shifts to score two goals and an assist this week.
Who was your player of the week?