The Habs bounced back with a 2-0 win versus the Flames Tuesday night after losing back to back games this weekend. Carey Price provided a steady game to earn his fourth shutout of the season, and 2nd shutout in his last four starts. The victory pushed the Habs into a tie with the Toronto Maple Leafs for 3rd place in their conference, with one game in hand.
The first period had a slow tempo to it, with both teams combining for less than ten shots on goal; the Habs had a 5-4 edge. During the first five minutes of the second period, the Habs were at a 2 man disadvantage, thanks to penalties to Tomas Plekanec and Lars Eller. The defensive tandem of Josh Gorges and Murray provided a solid penalty kill and after some Flames illegal stick work after the whistle at 11:16, both teams were assessed two minor penalties. Rene Bourque was fortunate to be in the right place at the right time, parked in front of the net to deflect a shot into the net for the Habs eventual game winner. The shots on goal more than tripled in the second period, with the Flames edging the Habs 15-14. The third period was a little more defensive oriented, and the Habs really going into a shell for the last five minutes or so of the game. A fortunate penalty by former Habs Mike Cammalleri with only 31 seconds left, paved the way for the Habs David Desharnais to score an insurance empty net/power play goal 20 seconds later.
The Habs continued their excellence on the penalty kill, thwarting the Flames three times in the game, which increased their success on the penalty kill during the past 27 consecutive attempts.
HW 3 Stars of the Game
1st Star: Rene Bourque: Although his goal bounced in on his leg, Rene had a few good chances and provided good hustle and four solid hits. It was a game in which he was involved, and after he snapped his goalless streak at 6 games, the skyward look he made said it all.
Stats: 1 goal, +1 rating, 3 shots, 4 hits, 1 block, 13:05 TOI
2nd Star: Ryan White: His return to the lineup provided a nice spark for the Habs 4th line. Along with newcomer Dale Weise and rookie Michael Bournival, the three forwards provided consistent pressure against the Flames all game, and good overall energy all evening. White chipped in 6 shots and 2 hits, with just under 14 minutes of ice time, his highest amount of ice time in two seasons. If he and his linemates keep up this level of play, the line will provide the coach the confidence to roll all four lines going forward.
Stats: 0 points, even rating, 6 shots, 2 hits, 1 block, 1 takeaway, 13:55 TOI
3rd Star: Carey Price: Although he wasn’t tested too much, a 27 shot shutout against a team that came in to Montreal on a 5 game winning streak, is nothing to sneeze at. The Flames put more pressure in the dying minutes of the game, and Price kept calm and Careyed on to the win.
Stats: 0 points, even rating, 2 shots, 13:41 TOI
Honourable Mention: Josh Gorges – When Gorges is not noticed, he’s playing a good game. He provided over 23 minutes of ice time and helped kill some key penalties when needed.
Stats: 0 points, 0 rating, 2 blocks, 23:01 TOI