Rocket:
The newly added Canadiens were in the line-up. The ‘billion’ dollar HD scoreboard was ablaze. The Ring of Honour was unveiled. Hockey legends dotted the building. The analysts spoke poetic: “the mecca of hockey” said one. The 100th home opener of one of the greatest franchises in sport is a big deal…and everyone knew it! Everyone except Joe/Jean Puckhead, the member of the ice crew responsible for aligning the Bell Centre boards. geezzzz!!
Shotty workmanship aside, this was a tale of two games…and one that almost slipped away. The Canadiens came out flying and set a high pace while the teams were at even strength. When on the powerplay, the Habs dominated! After one period, the Canadiens led 3-0.
In the second, the Canadiens had chances to extend their lead but didn’t bear down to finish. The players seemed casual at times as if it was just a scrimmage. That’s when the Bruins started to fight their way back into the game. The Habs stopped skating and over the final two periods, the Bruins controlled the play outshooting the Canadiens 25-15. Carey Price was spectacular throughout, especially during the shootout and he is very deserving of the first star.
Markov, Andrei Kostitsyn and O’Byrne were superb for the Habs. AK46 is playing with attitude this season! Good game also for Lapierre, Kostopoulos, and Dandenault. Credit to Tanguay for the shootout winner.
This was Latendresse’s worst game of the year. He looked slow and had hands of stone even with dozens of opportunities. In his first game, playing only 5 minutes, Laraque was a non-factor. While Bouillon is out, how about moving Dandenault back to defense and saying goodbye to #71?
Savard, Ryder and Wideman were the Bruins best.
After the game, the problem with the arena boards was up for discussion. Carey Price said “We were just fortunate it didn’t cost us two points tonight.” (And the Canadiens were fortunate that #31 was in net tonight.) The coach pledged to look into the problem with the boards. “It will be checked tomorrow. I’ll make sure of that” said Carbonneau. Little did he know that right after the game, the unassuming owner of the Canadiens was out with the ice crew inspecting the boards in HIS building. It doesn’t get said often enough, but I’ll take this opportunity: thanks George for everything, including bringing the magic back to this great franchise!
Pregame:
A wonderful ceremony to unveil the Ring of Honour. HHOF members present: Duff, Robinson, Shutt, Lapointe, Gainey, Lafleur, Cournoyer, H. Richard, Moore, Beliveau. (Where was Dryden?)
A very moving puck drop by 90 yr old Elmer Lach and 89 yr old Butch Bouchard. Thank you gentlemen!
Quick Hits:
Fans can pay their money and cheer as they wish. However, the constant booing of Chara and Ryder is lame and juvenille. Michael Ryder is a good hockey player. He was a Calder Cup nominee, a power play sniper, and led the Canadiens in goals scored for two years straight. Ryder got a raw deal from Carbonneau who killed his spirit and confidence.
Also, morons who boo the US anthem should just stay home.
Rocket’s 3 stars:
1. Carey Price
2. Andrei Markov
3. Marc Savard
(photo credit: AP Photo/The Canadian Press, Ryan Remiorz)