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.
This week kicked off with a high-scoring event at the Bell Centre Tuesday night where the Habs faced off against the Minnesota Wild. After not putting a puck in net during the opening 20 minutes, it seemed like the Canadiens’ goal-scoring struggles hadn’t ended. Then, in the second period, Max Pacioretty decided enough was enough and opened up the floodgates. He scored a natural hat trick which included a power play goal, and Michael Bournival also potted a goal for the home team. Minnesota goaltender Josh Harding was replaced after the third Pacioretty goal, with Darcy Kuemper taking up residence in the Wild crease. However, the Habs’ goal lamp stayed lit in the third period, with an even-strength goal by Danny Briere and a power play goal by Alex Galchenyuk. Final score: Canadiens, 6-2. (Read our full recap here: Habs Find Scoring Touch, Pacioretty with Hat Trick)
Next would come yet another Friday night tilt for the Canadiens, this time on the road in Washington to take on the Capitals. Peter Budaj was in goal for the visiting team and gave another solid performance in his backup role. This time the Habs took the ice with offensive force in the first period, with even-strength goals scored by Travis Moen and David Desharnais and a power play goal scored by Briere in just a matter of minutes. From there, the game rested on the shoulders of Budaj as he turned away all Washington shots on goal except two by Alexander Ovechkin. Final score: Canadiens, 3-2. (Read our full recap here: Early Goals From Unlikely Sources Power Habs Win)
There was no rest for the team as they headed back to Montreal to take on the Pittsburgh Penguins the following night. Shots were even in the first period but no one succeeded in getting on the scoreboard. Then, in the second period, it was Pacioretty who opened up the scoring yet again with a goal against Marc-Andre Fleury. Tomas Plekanec kept the scoring going in the third period before Pacioretty scored his fifth goal in the last three games. Defensively, the Habs performed well staving off any scoring chances for Sidney Crosby, a feat that hasn’t happened often this season. Price was back in net and put on a showcase of stellar goaltending, despite a late-game push by Pittsburgh. Final score: Canadiens, 3-2. (Read our full recap here: Biggest Win of the Year)
The Canadiens will next take to the road, when they travel to Buffalo on Wednesday to play the Sabres. 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:
Mike Vernon Claims He Told Patrick Roy ‘Get Traded!’ from the Habs
Top Line Carries Bulldogs to Win Over Crunch
Rocket Power in NZ: Habs Fan Uses Kiwi Spirit to Promote Movember
All Habs Three Weekly Stars
1st Star: Max Pacioretty
After a slow start to the season, Pacioretty scored five goals on the week including his natural hat trick against the Wild.
2nd Star: Carey Price
Price was dominant in his two wins against Minnesota and Pittsburgh with a 2.00 goals against average and a .931 save percentage.
3rd Star: Andrei Markov
Markov had three assists and was key in shutting down three high-powered offenses finishing the week with a plus-3 rating.
Who was your player of the week?