We’ve faced adversity before. We’ve stared into it’s eyes. We’ve looked at it, studied it hard, and sent it on it’s way. They’re the Montreal Canadiens, and they’re not losing to some sideshow bunch from Florida. This series ain’t over.
Things haven’t gone our way, okay. But, eventually, don’t they have to? I mean, the pieces are in place folks.
Jose Theodore, some may say, including his coach, hasn’t been at his best at times. That’s a very understandable argument, but here’s a guy who says he plays his best when counted out, and under pressure. Heading into game four down three nothing in the series, there is a great deal of pressure riding on him and his CH crest.
In front of Jose, things still look good. Saku Koivu is not only a great leader in Montreal, but he appears to have become an NHL leader, too. Koivu has continued to build upon his reputation as a great playoff performer. He sits atop the points category, in a three way tie that includes the opposing Martin St. Louis.
On the captain’s wing, and his new right-hand man so to speak, is Alex Kovalev. If there’s anyone out there who hasn’t fallen in love with this guy, in a hockey sense, please punch yourself. He’s a gamebreaker, pure and simple, and as Habs fans we are extremely blessed to have him on our side in such a crucial match.
If all goes well, Richard Zednik will be the man completing our top trio. Jan Bulis stepped in and played a very Bulis-esque game. He worked hard, and did all that we expect of him, but the man can’t finish plays and still seems out of place alongside Koivu. Despite the argument that Richard Zednik can bring Mike Ribeiro to life, it’s better off to stick with the sure thing, that being the KKZ line.
One of the men who provided plenty of offence from the blueline while healthy was Sheldon Souray. The defender is big, quite big, but has not seemed willing to use that size. In fact, his playoff has been fairly terrible. In Souray’s case, he’s clearly battling an injury — likely to the wrist — but if it is holding him back that much, well…
Also patrolling the left side of the Habs blueline, along with Souray, has been Andrei Markov. Steady and slick, Markov continues to look good in the postseason. Never mind a minor slip-up here and there, he’s the best we have — and he’s pretty darn good.
His defence partner, Craig Rivet, took a lot of heat for not planting Vincent Lecavalier on his butt, but has played a very good series. Rivet, and the rest of the group who have been considered to be at fault need to put that behind them and continue on.
We have four games against this one team remaining, time to put up with the questions and give us all one hell of an answer. It’s Habs ’till the end, and I’m pretty sure this won’t be the end.
Go Habs Go. No need to end the season early.