Montreal 4 Pittsburgh 2 (Bell Centre)
Rocket:
“It’s about building confidence and consistency” said Saku Koivu after the game. When Chris Higgins also echoed those words, it was clear that the team had talked about those two qualities. Higgins also added the word “intensity”.
The Canadiens were a fragile team coming into this game, having lost 5 of 6 games. Divisions had appeared between the coach and his players. Things were said publicly. For all parties to get back on the same page and focused for tonight’s game is quite commendable.
Tonight, the Canadiens top line of Tomas Plekanec, Andrei Kostitsyn and Alex Kovalev played first line minutes. The 4th line played 4th line minutes. Bench management was somewhat better. Line stability and roles that were more clear helped the Habs to play with more confidence. All lines contributed tonight.
Alex Kovalev led the team with 6 shots. He skated much better tonight. It seemed that the Plekanec line had not been apart. The three-way passing play leading to Andrei Kostitsyn’s goal was a thing of beauty.
Chris Higgins short-handed goal was the turning point of the game. Higgins worked hard to create a turnover. On the breakaway, his quick release beat Fleury. Saku Koivu skated with the play and was effective in screening Ryan Whitney away from Higgins. Matt D’Agostini played hard particularly in his own zone.
The wild card was the Lapierre/Sergei Kostitsyn/Pacioretty line. Despite just over 10 minutes of even-strength ice-time, Sergei was on fire tonight. His aggressive forecheck, steal of the puck from Fleury and set-up of Hamrlik was amazing. Max Pacioretty was very physical, was great on the boards and seemed to have some good chemistry with Max Lapierre.
Steve Begin, Tom Kostopoulos and Alex Henry were the least effective line, but physical when on the ice. They looked rather confused standing around the crease as the Penguins first goal was scored. Alex Henry had his second consecutive fight as he took on Penguin heavyweight Eric Godard.
The Canadiens defense was most impressive. As a group they shut down Sidney Crosby who had been hot over the past 10 games. Roman Hamrlik who has been playing sub-par for at least a month had a great game. Hamrlik had a goal, an assist and was +4. Ryan O’Byrne was a major force on defense tonight. O’Byrne was physical, moved the puck exceptionally well and made good decisions. Even 1 on 1, O’Byrne handled the very skilled Luca Caputi. Mike Komisarek proved his worth as he matched up against Evgeni Malkin most shifts. Only Bouillon and Gorges were shaky on defense tonight.
Carey Price was solid. This was a complete team win with a group that played a full 60 minutes. The Canadiens needed this win for their confidence. Now it’s time to focus on consistency.
Pre-game:
Plekanec–Kovalev–Andrei Kostitsyn
Koivu–Higgins–D’Agostini
Lapierre–Sergei Kostitsyn–Pacioretty
Bégin–Kostopoulos–Henry
Brisebois, Dandenault, Laraque, Latendresse, Tanguay, Lang out with injuries. Alex Henry will play forward on the 4th line tonight.
Touted Penguins prospect Luca Caputi will be in the line-up while Tyler Kennedy serves a one-game suspension for leaving the bench to fight the Leaf’s Luke Schenn.
Dandenault and Laraque will be ready to play by Friday. Latendresse with upper body injury will be out “weeks”. Lang’s injury, while not career ending, will be out at least 3 months.
Alex Kovalev said that Robert Lang didn’t get any sleep in hospital after his surgery. Nurses kept him up all night signing autographs.
Rocket’s 3 stars:
1. Sergei Kostitsyn
2. Chris Higgins
3. Evgeni Malkin
3. Max Pacioretty
3. Roman Hamrlik
3. Ryan O’Byrne
(photo credit: AP photo)