Montreal 3 Washington 2 (Verizon Centre)
It would seem that an open question before each game is who will be playing on the first line? Most of the forwards have had a turn as Jacques Martin searched for balanced scoring. An injury to Brian Gionta has further complicated the issue.
But let’s simplify it. The first line of the Montreal Canadiens is the trio that Tomas Plekanec is centering. Plekanec is the best and most consistent Habs’ forward. He and Carey Price have taken the team on their backs and are providing the leadership it desperately needs.
Plekanec leads the team in assists and points. Price has four wins in his last six games (two by shootout) and save percentage of .941.
Tonight, Plekanec had a goal, an assist and led the team with four blocked shots. His linemates Andrei Kostitsyn and Max Pacioretty each had an assist.
The Canadiens played a good road game. They had a good aggressive start outshooting the Capitals 14-to-7 in the first period. Yet the Habs trailed 1-0 on a goal by Eric Fehr scored through a screen. Scott Gomez had failed on a chance to clear the zone.
Two goals by Travis Moen and Plekanec in a three minute span in the middle frame put the Habs ahead to stay. But then it was Price’s time to shine. Washington took back momentum in the second period and for the final 40 minutes outshot Montreal 27-to-8.
Price was sensational during an all-out attack by the Capitals in the final two minutes while then enjoyed a 6-on-4 advantage. Maxim Lapierre had taken a penalty with 1:52 remaining in third.
Lapierre played only 6 shifts with 4:45 ice time in the first two periods. Strangely, coach Martin put his trust in Lapierre in the final two minutes of the game with the Capitals one goal down and pressing. Lapierre took a bad penalty.
This decision and one to send out Georges Laraque to protect a lead with less than five minutes left seem ill-conceived and are in stark contrast to what was otherwise a very good game plan. They are decisions that but for a goal post could have cost the Canadiens the game. Martin played with fire and he was bailed out by his team.
Good special teams play can level the playing field between two mismatched teams. The Canadiens received a power play goal by Mike Cammalleri and killed off all three opportunities by Washington.
The Canadiens defense played very well. That’s something that has rarely been said this season. Ryan O’Byrne had a very strong first game back from injury. O’Byrne played 16:16 including penalty killing shifts. O’Byrne blocked three shots.
Roman Hamrlik and Jaroslav Spacek deserve a great deal of credit for playing a shutdown role against Alex Ovechkin. Spacek played one of his best games of the season.
Some commented that the Canadiens benefited from an off night by Ovechkin. The numbers don’t seem to bear that out. Ovechkin directed 14 shots at the Canadiens goal. Six shots were blocked by Habs’ defenders. Oveckin also had four hits. Perhaps the Canadiens just did an effective job defending against him.
It was a huge road win against one of the league’s elite teams. By doing so,the Canadiens won their third game in regulation time.
The Habs return to Montreal to play the Detroit Red Wings on Saturday night.
Injury note: Scott Gomez left the game in the third period and did not return with a lower body injury. Coach Martin said that Gomez would be evaluated on Saturday.
Rocket’s three stars
1. Tomas Plekanec
2. Carey Price
3. Mike Green
Special mention: Jaroslav Spacek
(photo credit: AP)
I am thoroughly impressed with the Habs performance last night. I don't think there's anyone who thought the Canadiens had a chance to keep this one close, not with the Capitals playing they were, and the Canadiens playing the way they were.
If it isn't becoming evident to Gainey, Price and Plekanec need to be signed to new deals asap before their agents (especially Plek's) figure out that they're worth a truckload of money. Not getting these 2 signed would add to the already unnacceptable list of players Gainey let walk for no reason.
Anyway, back to the game. I thought the pairing of Hamrlik and Spacek, for one game anyway, were probably the best tandem in the league. They deserve a nod of appreciation for how they kept Ovechkin in check all night long.
I thought O'Byrne looked good in his return and I'm very excited to see him progress.
I wonder if Halak will get a start tonight? The Wings apparently have interest in him and they may like to see him in action. Is it also time to give Price a rest, or do you ride him until he has an off night?
I find it funny when a team executes a plan to quiet the League's strongest player, people say he has an "off night". Good job by Spacek and Hammer. I was concerned about the assignment because this was the job of Markov and Komisarek.
With all the missing players, the guys did a great job! Solid effort. And Neuvirth is no slouch in nets, he's the Caps farm team's MVP Calder Cup netminder, and a big reason why they won it last year.
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