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Montreal Hands Dallas Another Road Loss: HW 3 Stars –
January 14th, 2010.

Montreal 5, Dallas 3.  The Montreal Canadiens
handed the Dallas Stars their 9th road loss in a row in what was a highly
entertaining affair.  The game was dictated by sloppy defense, and featured
end-to-end, odd-man rushes and wild scrambles in the goal crease.  The Habs
came out in the first period, rusty from their 4-day layoff, and allowed Dallas
to twice take the lead. Montreal grabbed the lead early in the second, but
Dallas managed to tie up the game near the end of the period. 
Nevertheless, Carey Price stood tall in the 3rd, allowing no goals, while
Montreal beat Marty Turco twice to win the game.

HW 3 Stars of the Night:

1 – Brian Gionta:  With a pair of
powerplay goals and the game-winner, Gionta was an easy choice for 1st star. 
Were it not for some bad luck, he might have actually contributed more on the
scoresheet.  As it was though, he hustled all game long, meshing well with
his linemates, and going to the net.  He was instrumental on the
penalty-kill, and led all Canadiens in time playing with the man disadvantage.

2 Goals, 4 Shots on Goal, +1 Rating, 20:12
TOI.

2 – Benoit Pouliot:  Although
Guillaume Latendresse is faring well in Minnesota, it is hard to be upset with
what Pouliot brings to the table in his stead.  Pouliot goes to the net,
has great speed, great vision, great hands and is willing to get those hands
dirty to make a play.  His chemistry with Gionta and Scott Gomez increases
game-by-game and tonight was no exception.  His one-handed back-hander goal
was a thing of beauty, and was something we’ve come to expect from the talented
winger.

1 Goal, 1 Assist, 4 Shots on Goal, +1 Rating, 14:24 TOI

3 – Scott Gomez: Gomez continues his hot streak, and
continues to be the offensive catalyst for his line.  Furthermore, his
efforts on the penalty-kill went a long way to frustrating the Stars and
running down the clock.  His ability to see the open man and make the past
is proving increasingly valuable with Tomas Plekanec slowing down.

1 Assist, 1 Shot on Goal, +1 Rating, 18:23 TOI.

Honourable Mention –  Georges Laraque: 
Perhaps a bit of a stretch as an honourable mention, but Big Georges was
effective in his minimal role tonight.  He made some big hits, took a few
shots and was effective on the forecheck.  And it was truly a special
night, as Laraque scored in the 2nd period to give his teammates and the Bell
Centre some much-needed energy.

1 Goal, 2 shots on goal, Even Rating, 07:42 TOI.