Four years ago today the Canadiens were two days clear of a miraculous come back against the Boston Bruins. Despite being down 2-0 and 3-1 in the series the Canadiens did not quit and took the (2003-2004) North East Champion Bruins out in a seventh and deciding game in Boston. Richard Zednik scored the games only 2 goals and Jose Theodore shutout the Bruins.
Hopefully for Canadiens fans, myself included, Saku Koivu and Alex Kovalev remember those events and make sure history does not come back to bite the Canadiens. Montreal led the series 2-0 and 3-1 but the Bruins have captured all the momentum with two massive offensive third periods.
Claude Julien has the Bruins humming and after scratching Phil Kessel for the second third, and fourth game of the series he has been a new man and the leader of the Bruins tenacious offensive fore-check. Kessel has 3 goals in the last two games and is a +2.
No matter the winner of the series the chance for further playoff success will certainly be circling the drain as the second round begins. The last team to have their first round series end in a seventh game and go on to win the Stanly Cup was the 1992 Pittsburgh Penguins.
Carey Price looked unflappable after he was handed the reigns of the team on trade deadline day but he has allowed 9 goals in his last 4 periods, no thanks of course to the flat-footed Canadiens defensive effort. Last game he and the Canadiens surrendered 3 one goal leads without much of a fight.
Guy Carbonneau reported that Canadiens have a healthy line-up, which means Francis Bouillon, Mark Streit, and Saku Koivu should all remain in the line up. As for other line up changes one will have to wait until after the morning skate.
Fun Facts
1. The last time Price lost consecutive playoff games was in the 2nd round of the AHL playoffs last year to the Manitoba Moose. After those losses Price won 4 in a row (2 in overtime)
2. The last time the Bruins scored 5 or more goals against the Canadiens in consecutive games was 1997-98 season: Wed Apr 15 1998 at Montreal (Boston 6, Montreal 2) and 1998-99 season: Wed Oct 28 1998 at Montreal (Boston 9, Montreal 2)
3. The Canadiens are 6-3 all time on Monday playoff games against the Bruins.