MONTREAL, QC.– A game this highly-anticipated and fuelled by such deep emotions had many wondering how it would all play out. Saku Koivu predicted that the evening would be memorable. I think it’s safe to say that he got his wish.
It shouldn’t have been a surprise to anyone that the reaction to Koivu taking the ice for the opening faceoff was an extended standing ovation from the Bell Centre faithful. Those suggesting a mixed reaction were grossly inflating the number who judged him by narrowly focusing on the fluency of his fourth language. Instead it was a love-in with Habs fans embracing their beloved former captain.
The pre-game script would have been called unbelievable if it included three minor penalties for Koivu, but that’s how the drama on the ice played out. Montreal scored twice with Koivu in the box and it was left up to Bobby Ryan to deliver a victory for the Ducks with a shootout goal. Anaheim players had expressed how important it was to win a game for Koivu.
While Habs fans would have preferred a win, they went home happy with their team’s comeback to grab a point, and a chance to offer a heartfelt salute to a hero of the community. It wasn’t a case of divided loyalties given that most will always consider Koivu a Canadien.
Supporters of the Habs showed their appreciation with class, but the Canadiens organization, normally the platinum standard of recognition ceremonies, experienced a rare hiccup. A few images of Koivu appeared on the scoreclock during the final few bars of Charles Prevost-Linton’s rendition of O’ Canada. It was adequate but left many feeling that more could have been done.
Also, some thought it was unfortunate that coach Jacques Martin chose Scott Gomez, wearing Koivu’s number 11, as his starting center. Tomas Plekanec would have been the more respectful choice. Perhaps it is nit-picking, but it is attention to details that has earned the Canadiens the “House of Windsor” reputation when it comes to event-planning.
Those in attendance at the Bell Centre had one more chance to honour Koivu when he was announced as the second star of the game. Ryan was given first star by virtue of his shootout goal even though Koivu topped the 3-star fan voting. Perhaps the Canadiens could have made an exception to their self-imposed practise of automatically giving top star to overtime and shootout game-winners.
The game itself took its time living up to the hype which for long stretches was a snooze-fest. Fans occasionally woke up to voice their displeasure at curious penalty calls — particularly on Max Pacioretty and Benoit Pouliot — and non-calls. Referees Francois St Laurent and Dan O’Rourke seemed to want some of the spotlight for themselves.
When turned loose, the Canadiens are capable of generating offense using their transition game and speed. Montreal outshot Anaheim 23-5 in the third period, scoring twice in the last 3:40 to tie the game.
Despite a 40-shot outburst, Ducks coach Randy Carlyle was pleased that his team was able to keep most to the perimeter. His defenders also blocked 26 shots, with 14 alone coming from the sticks of James Wisniewski and P.K. Subban. The Canadiens three goals were scored with players going to the net.
Overall, it was a thrilling end to a memorable game and a productive week. The Habs managed six of a possible eight points.
The Canadiens will head to Philadelphia on Tuesday to play the Flyers.
Plus/Minus
▲ Max Pacioretty continues to impress even while playing with tender ribs. Pacioretty scored twice and had six shots on goal.
▲ Carey Price and Jonas Hiller were both solid in a battle of two of the leagues All-Star goalies. Hiller was the busier but Price had the tougher stops with the Ducks pushing to the goal.
▲ Where would this team be without James Wisniewski? He logged an impressive 30:30 including over eight minutes on the power-play.
▲ Yannick Weber blast from the point was deflected by Mathieu Darche for the Habs second goal earning the young defenseman an assist. He also made a game-saving play in overtime to tie up Dan Sexton.
▲ Andreas Engqvist led the team in blocked shots with three in just over eight minutes of ice-time.
► Maxim Lapierre had an uneventful return to Montreal with a minus-one rating. Lapierre was 89 percent at the faceoff dot feasting on the matchup against David Desharnais who only managed 13 percent success.
All Habs game stars
1. Saku Koivu
2. Max Pacioretty
3. Tomas Plekanec
Roster notes
Alexandre Picard and Tom Pyatt were healthy scratches. Jeff Halpern and Mike Cammalleri have shoulder injuries. Andrei Markov and Josh Gorges are out for the season with a knee injuries.
(AP Photo/The Canadian Press, Graham Hughes)