Rocket:

While the Canadiens played a strong game (albeit with a few defensive breakdowns), the Flyers made the most of their opportunities and will be relieved to get the 4-2 win in game #2. The series is now tied 1-1 and moves to Philadelphia for a game Monday night.

Loyal readers will know that I haven’t been shy to criticize the Canadiens, even after a win. So there may be some surprise that I will praise the Habs effort tonight. A team (nor its fans) can never be happy after losing a game. However, if there ever was an occasion to feel good about a loss, it is tonight. The Canadiens played very well, outshooting the Flyers 36-23.

After the game Guy Carbonneau said that there was some frustration in the locker room but “when we look at the tape tomorrow, we’ll see some really good things. We created scoring chances and used our speed.” Indeed, they did.

Despite the spin of Philadelphia coach John Stevens during the past two days, the Flyers were very fortunate to be leading in game #1. They had a quirky goal off the leg of Lupul and scored into his own net by Brisebois.

In game #2, the Flyers were thoroughly outplayed by the Canadiens but were opportunistic. Again, goals in the first period gave Philadelphia an early 2-0 lead. Umburger’s shot was screened by Koivu. Jeff Carter simply made a great shot, although it seemed to have help from Hamrlik’s stick. It was another power-play goal for the Flyers. According to Darren Pang of TSN, “Price had no chance on either goal.”

The Canadiens got a power-play goal of their own to narrow the lead to 2-1. Koivu made a great play behind the net to take the puck from Kukkonen and tucked it into the net before Biron could come across the crease.

The first period ended with the Canadiens leading in shots 16-7. They did struggle at the face-off dot only winning 32% (Plekanec was 0 for 8).

In the second, Carbonneau began to shake up his lines. Kovalev was back with Plekanec and Sergie K with Koivu. The last minute line-up change that saw O’Byrne replace Brisebois started to pay dividends. O’Byrne had good defensive coverage throughout the period, mainly due to his skating and maneuverability.

Mike Komisarek, who was benched in the third period of game #1 after taking a bad penalty, didn’t have his best game tonight. He was out of position on the third Philly goal. Briere went around Markov with a nice move. Price made the initial save but the puck trickled in.

As mentioned earlier, the Canadiens created numerous scoring chances. Biron played well but also benefited from shots that were right at him (especially Plekanec) or well wide of the net. Being down by 2 goals, the Habs seemed to lack patience. Biron was also assisted by his goalposts tonight. If the Canadiens got a few breaks and the first goal tonight, they probably would have scored 8.

The Canadiens displayed their prowess with the 4 on 4 early in the third period. Again it was Koivu with some good work to get the puck to Higgins. Higgins made a nice pass to Markov who was all alone and scored.

In the third, Carbonneau continued to juggle his lines. Both Kovalev and Higgins were double shifted. The Flyers were under tremendous pressure. Carbo and his staff deserve credit for the in-game adjustments. I liked the move to put Streit and Markov together towards the end of the third period to help generate offense.

The 4th Philly goal was inconsequential. Markov gambled trying to move the puck up ice. Price was left facing a Flyer all alone in front and tried to intercept the puck. Umberger knocked it out of his glove got his second goal of the night.

The Montreal power-play was terrific tonight with good puck movement and rotation. Mark Streit, for the first time in the playoffs, had a good game. In fact, 3 of the 4 lines played a very strong game. Unfortunately Lapierre’s line was invisible, as it has been for several games. The only time it showed any life was when Higgins replaced Streit. It may be time to reinsert Ryder in the line-up.

It is somewhat surprising that the Flyers are far less physical than the Bruins. They do seem to be kings of the cross-check and engage in late hits and scrums after the whistle. It was mildly amusing, that after the game, John Stevens accused the Canadiens of a cheap shot, something the Flyers do very well. He was referring to Kostopoulos who took exception to Timonen’s classless taunting after the 4th Philly goal.

Pregame:

HNIC’s Friedman interviewed Kostopoulos. Tom credited his brother Chris as his inspiration to get to the NHL. Chris Kostopoulos is the assistant coach for the RMU (Robert Morris University) Colonials in Pittsburgh.

A great piece by Dick Irvin Jr. on the Montreal Forum, “the shrine of hockey.” The last Stanley Cup in the building and for the Canadiens was their 24th in 1993. (We need to hear more Irvin and much less Stock!)

A late line-up change by Carbonneau to insert Ryan O’Byrne for Patrice Brisebois who is bothered by a leg injury.

Teen phenom Nikki Yanofsky sings the anthems with emotion. She has a great voice and amazing range.

Rocket’s 3 stars:

1. Saku Koivu
2. Martin Biron
3. R.J. Umberger

(photo credit: Photo by Phillip MacCallum/Getty Images)