Pre-season: Montreal 1 Boston 2 SO (Bell Centre)
Watching the first five pre-season games, it is clear that the Canadiens needed one thing most: practise. There seemed to be an absence of offensive and defensive systems with lines looking rather disorganized. Special teams have also been ineffective. Due to the collective bargaining agreement, Jacques Martin was limited to three hours per day with his troops.
Over the past few days, Martin has had an opportunity to focus on the players that could be on the roster come October 1, some for the first time. As the split squads were brought together, Martin was able to outline his expectations especially to the younger players.
Sergei Kostitsyn was given a message in practise by the coach and apparently Sergei heard it. He was selected the first star of tonight’s game with a goal on four shots.
It was a night for the young players with Matt D’Agostini, Tom Pyatt, Ben Maxwell, Ryan O’Byrne and Yannick Weber all having strong games. Pyatt may be the surprise of training camp. O’Byrne is hitting, moving the puck well, and has a much improved shot. Weber is playing with much more confidence.
Scott Gomez led the team with seven shots and was an excellent penalty-killer. Thomas Plekanec had six shots and was 82 per cent successful on faceoffs.
Guillaume Latendresse had another opportunity to play with the top line. While Latendresse has improved his skating and is using his size more (six hits tonight), he still doesn’t have hands nor the hockey sense to finish.
Greg Stewart lost some blood but not the fight against another middle-weight: Guillaume Lefevbre.
Mike Cammalleri left the game with a lower body injury and did not return.
Jaroslav Halak had a bounce back game after looking rather shaky against the Senators. While not very busy in the early going, Halak was solid when required. Despite the strong effort, Halak remains winless in the pre-season.
Both penalty killing and power play was better at times tonight.
It is only the pre-season but something that should be noted is that the Canadiens are only averaging two goals per game.
Pre-game
Patrice Brisebois announced his retirement and was presented with the Jean Beliveau award.
Official three stars:
1. Sergei Kostitsyn
2. Ryan O’Byrne
3. Tim Thomas
(photo credit: Getty images)