In the first of a home and home series with the New York Islanders, the Habs managed to continue their winning ways with a 5-3 victory over the Islanders at the Bell Centre. Montreal scored first, and managed to keep the lead the entire game. The young Islanders team managed two power play tallies against the 2nd leading penalty killing group going into the game. However, the Canadiens out shot their opposition 35-21, and out chanced them in scoring opportunities.
HW 3 Stars of the Night:
1st Star: Andrei Kostitsyn Kostitsyn played a dominant game this evening, both in a shooting and playmaking capability. Ever dangerous, he managed to keep a hot hand, scoring his 5th goal in 5 games. This evening, his defensive game was also very sound, as he played an intelligent game without the puck, choosing the right time to check the opposition while hustling to return back to his defensive zone after turnovers.
2nd Star: Tomas Plekanec Plekanec set up a nice short handed goal by Travis Moen, and coupled with linemate Kostitsyn, both players were constant offensive threats each time they were on the ice. Tomas managed a team high plus 3 rating tonight, and managed to solidify his ranking as the team’s top center.
3rd Star: Travis Moen It’s tough not to award a star to a hard working 3rd liner, who when bumped up to the 2nd line scores a nice short handed goal and manages a fight. He was one assist away from a Gordie Howe hat trick. The only tarnish to his game was a boarding penalty on a hit from behind on James Wisniewski.
HM: P.K. Subban Despite a couple of high anxiety plays on defence, the “Subbanator” was again a force with the puck. His skating ability and confidence handling the puck have allowed him to escape from some hairy situations, but he remains an exciting rookie to watch.
HM: James Wisniewski The Islanders’ defenceman contributed to every one of his team’s goals, with one of his own and two assists. Despite his scoring, he was a minus one on the night, but an ever present threat on the point for the Isles’ power play, which was 5th in the league going into this game.