by Rookie, AllHabs.net
MONTREAL, QC — Expectations for last night’s game may not have been high, particularly in the eyes of fans who use statistics to set their expectations. The Canucks, on paper, were stronger than the Canadiens in most respects. Fans worried about the Habs’ underperformance in special teams were concerned, faced with one of the best power-plays in the league.
I always look forward to the goalie matchup of Carey Price and Roberto Luongo, not only because of their skill levels but also because both of them are playing against the team they grew up watching. It’s like a two-sided version of the performances we see when Quebec-born goalies play against the Canadiens. As evidenced by the final score of 2-0, this was Carey Price’s night. His saves were not as showy as we’ve seen in the past, but rather simple and efficient, avoiding unnecessary rebounds. Price was in top form.
Both goals of the night were scored by defensemen, which speaks to the quality of last night’s defence. They did not play an overly physical game. They cleared the puck, took advantage of scoring chances, and effectively shut down the Sedin twins, who anchor Vancouver’s (and maybe the league’s) most impressive offensive line.
The Canadiens’ power play, as expected, could have been stronger. Scott Gomez attempted to set up a few goals but ultimately none of his attempts came through. Roman Hamrlik used his trademark slap shot to give the Canadiens their first power-play goal of the month.
The final few minutes of the game were suspenseful ones, as the Canucks tried to get the puck past Carey Price. The entire Canadiens team came together and played strong defense during a 6-on-5 after Roberto Luongo was pulled, preserving the shutout that earned Carey Price a shutout and the honour of being named first star of the game.
That first star was cheered from the final moments of the game through his departure from the ice after the game’s three stars were named. After months of negative attention, Price’s performance (in this game and the ones leading up to it) and the positive reactions it elicited were a welcome change. Those cheers were music to the ears of this Carey Price supporter, who’s endured more than her share of boos.
A shutout against one of the Western Conference’s strongest teams is going to be a boost of confidence for this team, which will be especially helpful in upcoming games against physically imposing teams.