There was no way this game would match the
excitement of Saturday’s come-from-behind victory against the New York Rangers.
Having said that the Canadiens were able to get the victory in overtime to
defeat the Islanders 3-2, for their second straight overtime win.
Montreal made it to the end of the first period with a 1-0 lead on a goal by
defenseman Jaroslav Spacek, his first as a Montreal Canadien, with a beautiful
assist going to Glen Metropolit (a late addition to tonights lineup). The Habs
continued to contain the Islanders for the majority of the second period and
create chances. A bad too-many-men-on-the-ice penalty led to an Islanders
powerplay late in the second where Jeff Tambellini tied the game.
The third period saw the teams trade goals. Travis Moen scored for the Habs while
Tambellini scored another powerplay goal for the Islanders within the last five
minutes to send the game to overtime. It did not take long for Montreal to
assert their dynamite four-on-four play and Tomas Plekanec made a brilliant rush
through the neutral zone before feathering a pass to Roman Hamrlik who went top
shelf on Martin Biron to end the game.
This draws an end to the Habs 6 game homestand in which the Canadiens went
4-2-0. Next up is a date with the Stanley Cup champions on Wednesday in
Pittsburgh.
Positives:
Third Line: Moen, Metropolit and Pacioretty have something special going on. A
great mix of hard work, crashing the net, passing, forechecking led to
Montreal’s two regulation time goals. The most consistent line of the night.
Overtime: The second straight win in overtime for Montreal. This team is proving
to be a great four-on-four team.
Giving up few even strength scoring chances: Even-strength the Habs were able to
contain the quality scoring chances of the Islanders. This has been the second
game in less then a week that John Tavares has been completely shutdown.
Negatives:
Undisciplined play: 7 penalties is a lot for a usually discipline team. Two too-
many-men-on-the-ice penalties and a delay of game were especially disappointing.
Against better teams with better powerplays, it would be hard to see Montreal win
this game.
Second Line Wingers: Can’t find anyone to fill this spot currently. Tomas
Plekanec is playing his best hockey in over a year. It would be nice to find him
some linemates that are able to compliment his ability to create plays.
Player Ratings:
Jaroslav Halak B Number of important saves. Keeps on winning games.
Travis Moen A+ Goal and Assist. Also drew one of the two Islanders
penalties. Amazing ability to forecheck on almost every rush down the ice.
Scott Gomez B Not his best game as a Hab but was able to manage 2 shots
and log almost 20 minutes.
Brian Gionta B+ 3 shots on net. Over 20 minutes of ice time. Always gives
100%. Just a matter of time before he is named the next captain surely.
Mike Cammalleri A- Can’t score a hat trick every night. But another very
solid performance. 4 shots.
Tomas Plekanec A The glue that is holding the second line together.
Amazing rush in overtime to set up the game winner.
Andrei Kostitsyn C+ For the player with the best shot on the team he
needs more then one shot on net. In Jacques Martin’s doghouse and started the
game on the fourth line. Ended the game as a +1.
Guillaume Latendresse B+ Good ability to maintain puck possession tonight
in the attacking zone. Unlucky by hitting the post late in the second.
Maxim Lapierre B+ Continues to be one of the hardest workers for the
Habs. 2 shots on goal tonight.
Max Pacioretty B- Part of the third line that had great success tonight.
+1 and played limited minutes.
Matt D’Agostini B+ 1 shot on net and 13 very valuable minutes tonight.
Seems to be gaining confidence by the game.
Kyle Chipchura B Consistently playing his way into an everyday job.
Glen Metropolit A Key part of that great third line. 2 Assists and a +2
on the night.
Roman Hamrlik B Made a few defensive mistakes tonight, but made up for it
with the game winner. Also logged the most ice time for the Habs tonight.
Playing a vital role in the absence of Markov.
Jaroslav Spacek B+ First goal as a Hab. Solid defensive play – perhaps
his best game this season all around. Played over 20 minutes and was tied with
Cammalleri with 4 shots to lead the team in shots tonight.
Hal Gill B- Holding his own for now. Will fit into the overall defense
better when Markov and O’Byrne are back.
Josh Gorges B Silent out there tonight. But that is a good thing as a
defenceman right?
Paul Mara B+ Second solid game in a row.
Marc-Andre Bergeron B+ Did not score tonight. However his best defensive
game as a member of the Canadiens.
Powerplay C 0/2 Not very effective at all tonight.
Penalty Kill C 2-7 Islanders were able to capitalize on some foolish
Montreal penalties tonight.