Translated from La Presse
Not long ago, forward Eric Cole was called a “Habs Killer”. Scoring 13 goals in 20 games, he seemed inspired when facing the Tricolore. It’s a benediction he’s playing in Edmonton this season, we don’t see him as often. A little poll conducted in the past couple of weeks the players the most feared by the Bleu-Blanc-Rouge. And don’t be surprised if there are many Quebecers: “They are all pumped when they visit Montreal” said Maxim Lapierre.
Forwards
“There are night when you’ll see less of Sidney Crosby for example, but Alexander Ovechkin, it’s always hard to play against him” noted Francis BouillonThe Washington superstar has some nice numbers against the Canadiens with 9 goals and 10 assists in 15 games. As Maxim Lapierre said “You can cover him close but this guy doesn’t need space to score.”
And as pointed out by Patrice Brisebois, there’s not only talent, there’s also his passion. “His will to win makes him give everything every game. If there’s a game he doesn’t get a goal, he’ll still get 6 or 7 hits”.
As good as Ovechkin is, he can’t be a line by himself. Who are the other offensive threats?
“Vincent Lecavalier can elevate his game when facing us, particularly in Montreal” was saying Josh Georges days before the Vinny rumours started. “Lecavalier has all the tools. He skates well, makes plays, he’s big and strong and protects the puck. On top of it he wins faceoffs and wins battles for the puck.
And since no other players spring to minds of the Habs, we’ll finish the trio with Daniel Alfredsson. His stats are impressive with 26 goals and 88 points in 67 regular season games.
Defence
Francis Bouillon remembers the damages caused by Tomas Kaberle and Bryan McCabe with the Leafs. “Those two were a great pairing against us. Kaberle is excellent on powerplay even if he isn’t as dominant this season. “The 30 year old defensemen amassed 12 goals and 29 assists in 52 games against the Canadiens.The other choice is not as evident. Halak suggested Mark Streit had some good games but he didn’t have many. Begin hates playing against Zdeno Chara but the giant was pretty quiet during the 12 straight wins by Montreal. Without a clear choice, we’ll go with the coach.
“I’m really happy Brian Campbell is playing on the west coast” said Guy Carbonneau. “It’s an offensive defenseman with great vision. Against us, he seemed to always support the offensive and found ways to be in the plays.”
In the net
“I got to say Martin Brodeur” remember Georges “Like Lecavalier, it’s a case of great francophone player upping his game against us, knowing he’s playing in front of his family and friends. “You could say Brodeur is a any team killer” pleaded Begin.
But his statistics against Montreal are unbelievable. 34 wins, 8 of them by shotout, is great. A career 1.80 goal against average proves he is simply dominant.
Martin Brodeur completed the all-star Habs killer lineup but if there was to be a second goaltender, Bouillon would have the perfect man.
“I don’t know if it’s another case of players from here upping their game but since his second season in Buffalo, I always thought Martin Biron was playing superbly against us.”
