HabsWorld.net --
After one of their uglier losses of the season, the Habs battled back with
one of their best efforts of the season, a 2-0 victory over division rival
Toronto. Special teams were the key to victory for Montreal as the Habs
scored both shorthanded and on the powerplay. Jeff Halpern scored the
shorthanded tally in the 1st, a goal that saw Tom Pyatt pick up his first point
of the season.
The score remained 1-0 until the 3rd where Mike Komisarek set up Mike
Cammalleri for the game clinching goal on the PP. The pass had Canadiens
fans collectively wondering when the last time Komisarek made that good of a
pass at the Bell Centre. Jonas Gustafsson stopped 36 of 38 Montreal shots
while Carey Price kicked aside all 30 of the Leafs’ shots.
HW 3 Stars of the Night:
1st Star: Carey Price (30 saves on 30 shots, 4th shutout of the
season)
After he struggled in the 3rd period against Nashville, it was fair to wonder if
this would be the beginning of his confidence slipping. It’s safe to say
such concern wasn’t warranted. I really have to wonder if he even broke a
sweat tonight despite facing 30 shots, he was that much in control.
2nd Star: Jeff Halpern (1 goal, +1 rating, 7/9 faceoffs, 14:43
TOI)
His line had been struggling and was broken up tonight (with Darche sitting) but
Halpern in particular had been struggling offensively. Tonight, this
wasn’t the case as he scored on a perfect deflection and had a big impact in the
offensive zone as his aggression was a lot higher than it had been recently.
3rd Star: Brian Gionta (Even rating, 8 shots, 2 hits, 18:04 TOI)
When a game is close on the scoreboard, you’ve gotta keep shooting and that’s
what Gionta did tonight. Of his 8 shots, half were legitimate quality
scoring chances and although none of them went in, it went a long way to
preserving Montreal’s momentum which was crucial in this one.
Honourable Mention: Mike Cammalleri (1 goal, even rating, 3 shots,
17:12 TOI)
I honestly thought he had a quiet game for the most part overall. But it’s
hard to argue with the goal that basically sealed the game, a very good shot at
that.
Stat of the Night: The Habs have been erratic on the draw this
season, having several good games and several bad ones. Tonight was one of
the good ones as collectively, Montreal went 35/53 on faceoffs. 6
different players took draws in this one and every one of them was at least 50%
(Plekanec being the lowest right on 50%).
Don’t forget, tomorrow afternoon, the Hamilton Bulldogs’ game is being televised
on CBC. Puck drop for that contest is at 1 PM, where the ‘Dogs will be
looking to avenge a 4-3 shootout loss to the Toronto Marlies. Max
Pacioretty scored all 3 Hamilton goals, as well as the lone shootout tally in
today’s game.
