by Corey Desormeaux , Staff Writer, All Habs Hockey Magazine

OTTAWA, ON – Last week I wrote an article that summarized some of the good and bad things the Montreal Canadiens were doing in their second round series against the Tampa Bay Lightning.

At the time of the article, the Habs were down two games after being embarrassed 6-2 on home ice.  The Canadiens knew they had their work cut out for them heading into game three and despite their effort; the Lightning struck with a buzzer-beating dagger winning the game with a second left on the clock.  The Habs suddenly found themselves down three games to none.

The Canadiens looked devasted.  They had played a solid game; continuing to do all the good things, like winning face-offs (52%), taking more shots (62%), creating turnovers and absolutely dominating the shot-attempts:

Needless to say, it would have been easy for any team to become discouraged, yet instead of waving the white flag on their season; the Canadiens stuck to their gameplan and won both game four and five.

Game five brought me to the realization that I missed a vital element of the Canadiens in my article last week, and that missing element is character.

Since the hiring of general manager Marc Bergevin, Canadiens management has preached about the importance of character.

To be honest, I’ve always thought of it as a small factor of success and a buzzword that people in the hockey world over value.  That is of course until I saw this team evolve into what they are today.

Growing up watching the Canadiens through the late 90’s and onward I’ve seen some great players come and go.  The likes of Koivu, Souray, Theodore and Kovalev helped me acquire the passion for the Habs that so many feel.  However, this version of the Montreal Canadiens is different than any other I’ve seen.

The passion that runs through the fans is emulated by its players on the ice.  It provides this connection to the club that I’ve never been able to find before.  The players have embraced each other, and just as importantly have embraced their role in the city of Montreal and with the fans of the club from around the world.

Growing through the system, many players on the current team have learned what it means to be a Canadiens.  Players like Markov, Plekanec, Price, Pacioretty, Galchenyuk, Gallagher and Subban were drafted and developed by the club, many of whom have emerged as leaders on the team.  They know what it’s like to play in such a unique market and are the tone setters, both on the ice and off the ice, equally establishing poise and a desire to win amongst the squad.

I’ve never seen such a tight knit Canadiens team.  New acquisitions have embraced the Canadiens more so now than ever.  Players like Parenteau, Weise and Mitchell are now playing for the team they grew up admiring and others like Smith-Pelly and Petry have been integrated through the guidance of the team leaders.

Bergevin has found a strong mix of veteran and youth, grit and speed, and has created a team that is willing to do whatever it takes to win a hockey game not just for the themselves but for the Montreal Canadiens.  This group believes in their ability to win and frankly, they’ve made it impossible for me to ever count them out of a game or series.

Each and every time Price makes a thrilling save, Subban rushes the puck, Gallagher bats in a rebound and Pacioretty uses his lethal snap shot I get goose bumps.  They create memorable moments; look no further than these very playoffs with Markov kissing Subban:

Price chuckling at the astronaut:

and the weight being lifted off Parenteau’s shoulders as he scores the game winner in game five:

This team is fun.

No matter the score or deficit they never quit.  They’ve got swagger, and the fan base adores it.

Having already made history becoming the first Canadiens team to ever force a game six after trailing three games, it’s quite clear that they aren’t ready to settle with that.

No matter what happens this week, I am proud of this team.

Go Habs Go.