by Amy Johnson, Video Producer/Editor 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.
The Habs began a four-game western road trip on Monday night with a visit to Los Angeles. Peter Budaj found himself as the starting goaltender after Carey Price was put on IR for an injury he aggravated during the Olympics. Offensively, the Canadiens struggled throughout the game, with P.K. Subban scoring the only Habs goal. Final score: Kings, 2-1. (Read our full recap here: Habs Smothered by Kings)
The next day, coming at the end of an eventful trade deadline day, brought the Canadiens to Anaheim to face the Ducks. With the Habs picking up Thomas Vanek, Devan Dubnyk, and Mike Weaver in the trading frenzy, fans were in for another surprise when it was announced that AHL-er Dustin Tokarski would get the start in net. Brian Gionta and Max Pacioretty put the Habs on the board in the first period, with Brendan Gallagher potting a goal in the second. The game was filled with odd bounces and surprise no-goals, and eventually went six rounds in the shootout before Andrei Markov sealed the win for the Canadiens. Final score: Canadiens, 4-3 (SO). (Read our full recap here: Riding the Bounces to a Shootout Win)
Thursday brought the Habs to the desert for a matchup against the Phoenix Coyotes. Budaj was back in net on this night, and Vanek took to the ice with his new team for the first time. After allowing three goals to be scored against them in the first period, the Canadiens’ defense stepped it up in the second period but couldn’t manage to find the back of Mike Smith‘s net. Markov had his second goal in as many games, while Alex Galchenyuk mustered a power play goal in the second period. The Coyotes found themselves on the winning side of things versus their Montreal opponent for the first time since 1998. Final score: Coyotes, 5-2. (Read our full recap here: Special Teams, Goaltending Not Up to Par)
Searching for a win in this road trip, the Canadiens wrapped things up in San Jose on Saturday night. Again the offense couldn’t capitalize and again, the defense broke down. Budaj was pulled after just two goals, and the Habs couldn’t retaliate. They found themselves at the wrong end of a shutout against a strong Sharks team. Final score: Sharks, 4-0. (Read our full recap here: Not in the Same League)
The Canadiens now have until Wednesday to return home, get back to practice and contemplate a home-ice tilt against the Boston Bruins. 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:
Canadiens: A Team With Added Depth
Christmas in March: A Habs Trade Deadline Miracle
All Habs Three Weekly Stars
1st Star: Brendan Gallagher
Brendan Gallagher continues to stake out turf in the crease and drive to the net. He tallied one goal and two assists this week.
2nd Star: Andrei Markov
Amid trade rumours, Andrei Markov quietly went about his business with a goal and an assist as well as the game-winner in the shootout vs Anaheim giving the Canadiens their only win of the week.
3rd Star: Dustin Tokarski
Dustin Tokarski was the surprise starter against the Ducks, making 40 saves for his second career NHL win.
Who was your player of the week?