Montreal 5 Calgary 4 OT (Bell Centre)
MONTREAL, QC.– With the Canadiens holding a comfortable lead mid-way through the second period, Canadiens assistant coach Perry Pearn told RDS’ Joel Bouchard that the plan was to make use of the bench and close-out the Flames. It seemed that Pearn (and perhaps some of his charges) had already pocketed the two points and were starting to mentally get ready for their Tuesday night opponent, the Buffalo Sabres. As the saying goes, don’t count your chicken wings…
In determined fashion, the never-say-die Flames charged back to tie the game erasing the Canadiens 4-0 lead. Both starting goalies were chased after surrendering questionable goals. But the Bell Centre faithful were sent home happy, with a thrilling overtime victory provided by the stick of P.K. Subban.
In a drama-filled game rich with outstanding performances, major gaffes and the ebb and flow of emotion, what were our friends in the mainstream media focused on after the game? Print, radio and TV folks felt compelled to dissect Subban’s enthusiastic celebration after scoring the game-winning goal.
“Hal Gill / Mike Cammalleri / Alex Tanguay, what did you think of P.K.’s… ?” Really guys? With so much to choose from in this game, you chose to zero-in on such a non-issue. Former-NHLers worked themselves into a faux lather while Subban, himself, felt compelled to apologize for his flamboyance instead of revelling in his moment.
For Subban, the overtime goal was redemption in a game that was a mixed bag for him.
In addition to the winner, Subban had an assist and topped all players with ice-time of 27:13. However, the rookie defenseman committed three giveaways, was on the ice for two Calgary goals and was the cause of a Canadiens too-many-men bench minor. Subban’s average shift length approached one minute, something that drew the ire of coach Jacques Martin earlier in the season.
Nonetheless it was the dynamic Subban who ensured that Habs fans are not lamenting the greatest collapse in recent memory. Yet the question, must be asked, why do the Canadiens have trouble holding leads and lack the killer instinct to put the opposition away? The Habs rank twentieth in the league in win percentage when leading after two periods.
Some point to coach Martin’s system or his inability to make in-game adjustments. Whether the cause is execution or strategy, there is clearly a disconnect between the players and the coach when it comes to the style of game when ahead. When offering his opinion, Mike Cammalleri chose his words carefully saying that the Habs needed to be more assertive while playing with the lead.
Given their struggles scoring goals, the Canadiens must do better protecting leads. It’s a puzzle that this isn’t a strength for a team, coached by a man who some consider a defensive guru.
Martin was rather quiet following the game saying, “It was an interesting game. It’s the new NHL.”
The Canadiens travel to Buffalo to play the Sabres on Tuesday night.
Plus/Minus
▲ Andrei Kostitsyn has now scored in consecutive games. He led the team in shots and hits.
▲ Lars Eller was rewarded for going to the net with a goal.
▲ Scott Gomez picked up an assist and dominated the faceoff dot winning 13 of 15 draws.
▲ Mike Cammalleri a goal, and assist and a penalty against his former team.
▲ Jeff Halpern had a two-point night and was a solid penalty-killer for a unit that didn’t allow a goal.
▲ Yannick Weber had an assist, and unofficially assisted on a second goal as he created a distraction in front of Kiprusoff. He finished the game at plus-2.
▲ Hal Gill also had an assist and a plus-2 ranking. He can also be credited for counselling Subban when his partner was going through a rough patch in the game.
▲ Carey Price has stated in the past that he would rather play a whole game than coming in cold from a stool, but his presence seemed to settle the Habs down at a time when they were reeling.
▼ Alex Auld did not have the home debut he envisioned allowing at least two soft goals. It could have been worse as Auld was assisted by his posts a few times after being beaten.
All Habs game stars
1. Mike Cammalleri
2. Andre Kostitsyn
3. P.K. Subban
Roster notes
Alexandre Picard was a healthy scratch. Benoit Pouliot had a virus. Andrei Markov and Josh Gorges are out for the season with a knee injuries.
(AP Photo/The Canadian Press, Ryan Remiorz)