First Period:
- So here we go again. The Habs take the most avoidable penalty in the game, too many man, *again*. Why, oh why, oh why does this happen so often? (hint: bench management, but whatever).
- And ... another PK kill. The Habs just keep rollin' along.
- Habs offense really having trouble getting organized. Zero chances so far through 13 minutes. Flyers haven't been much better.
- Flagrant trip on Darche at the blue line that would have resulted in a clean 2-on-1 break. No call.
- Really tight first period for Habs. Playing an excellent road game, keeping home team scoring chances to bear minimum, and taking advantage of our own chances when they present themselves. So far, so good.
- Gorges is a scoring machine. Helping to set up yet another goal with a head's up cross-ice pass from the line to set up Nokelainen. I'd say use him on first line PP, if he wasn't already eating up all the PK shifts. 1-0.
Second Period:
- Plekanec with a brain-cramp slash two seconds after the puck is dropped to open the period. Flyers go to the PP.
- Hah. Oh wow. Mad scramble in front of Price, puck loose near the line for a good three or four seconds. Somehow it stayed out. Habs PK streak really grabbing hold to lucky charms.
- 38 for 38. Now seriously flirting with the NHL record of 53.
- Prince stellar. Laperriere with a clean break, no go. Then Weber awful choking up the puck at the line on the PP, another clean Flyers break (Giroux), another Price Save. How many times must Weber fumble and Price bail before he's given the hook?
- Price is in the zone. Flyers will need to work very hard to beat him today. A fortunate bounce or two will probably be required.
- And there it is. Puck takes a weird bounce behind Price as it's shot in around the boards, Giroux standing in right place, right time, wide open net. 1-1.
- Habs PP utterly muted today. Zip fer six.
- Big-time breakdown in defensive zone. Diaz overplays the puck behind the net. Weber standing around in front of his net (gotta keep those feet moving, kiddo). Pacioretty releases his man (Voracek). Price hung out to dry. Martin is fuming behind the bench. Margin for error is very thin against a team like Philadelphia. Mistakes, especially the big ones, kill you.
- Oy. Price's big mistake. Juicy rebound on routine shot right to Giroux for his second of the period (in another wide open net). With just 6 agonizing seconds left on the clock. Price slams his stick on the boards as he exits for intermission. Disastrous period for Habs, and Flyers pelt Price for 19 shots, most of them second half of the period.
Third Period:
- So tough to get into the game when everything is so seemingly out of reach. Miraculous effort will be required, which includes having the powerplay actually score a goal. It's zero for the last fifteen.
- 12 minutes left in the 3rd. Shots are 23-7 Flyers since start of 2nd period.
- Habs defense has really done an awful job today forwarding the puck. Markov can't come back fast enough.
- Flyers now 5 on 3 for 1:41. Um, goodbye streak. Goodbye.
- Well, managed to survive first 37 seconds. Insane crazy if the Habs can somehow survive this.
- Gill is just a monster creating a gate in front of Price. You shall not pass. And Price a *brilliant* glove save to keep Philly from scoring. Incredible. Habs kill the penalties. Surely that'll give them some mo'.
- Cole the first good scoring chance for Habs since ... the first period? It really has been that bad today.
- Pierre LeBrun tweet: "Claude Giroux reminding Habs yet again today they might have been better off drafting him at 20th overall in 2006 instead of David Fischer. Giroux, a Habs fan growing up, of course went 22nd overall to Philadelphia that year." Yup. Flyers just haunt this team like crazy.
- Subban/St-Denis can't tell each other's left hand from their right. Goalpost keeps it 3-1.
- Habs offense showing a little life, but way to late to make any difference. Excluding the first period, their clocks were cleaned today.
- Powerplay has reverted to being a mess. The defense is making glaring mistakes and costly turnovers that good teams like the Flyers will often take advantage of. The offense, save the Cole line, was pretty quiet today. Just no spark, no jump, no energy. And it gets even more difficult tomorrow night facing Crosby and the Pens. If today's Habs play the same tomorrow night, it could get ugly fast.
Showing posts with label habsgameblog. Show all posts
Showing posts with label habsgameblog. Show all posts
Friday, 25 November 2011
Monday, 21 November 2011
Game Twenty-One: Bruins v. Habs
Well, hrumph. If it wasn't for the return of a certain centre who plays for a certain team from Pittsburgh, most eyes would be on Montreal tonight for the clash between two of the best playing teams in the League. Oh well, I'm staying focused on this one ... Oooh Crosby scores! Wow second shift, you see that!?!
Oh right. Anyway, What's not to like about tonight? Bruins have won 8 in a row, against the Habs who've won 8 of their last 11. Habs are 2-0-0 against the Bruuns, with Price now holding a shutout streak now past 132 minutes. Not to mention the Habs PK which is 31 for it's past 31, and hasn't surrendered a 5 on 4 goal since October 24 against the Penguins.
Oh yeah. The Penguins. Must. Not. Switch. Over.
With the Leafs coming back to earth (as expected), it's shaping up more and more to it being a three team race for first in the Division. Sabres, Bruins and Habs. It should be a great one tonight!
First Period:
- Chara pelted with boos. I've never understood the rationale behind this - what are the fans hoping for? That Chara's feelings will get hurt and he'll go home?
- Emelin with thunderous check on Lucic. Very nice.
- Plekanec brilliant deflection on point shot, puck floats over Thomas' right shoulder and just past the post.
- Bruins early PP opportunity. Habs streak put to the early test.
- Best chance to score on Bruins PP was by ... Moen, on lovely pass from Plekanec, just missed. Otherwise, another routine PK.
- Weber stick shattered into many pieces on that attempted shot from the line. Needs to look into another brand or model or something, this is happening too often.
- Habs far quicker, more aggressive team through first 12 minutes. Thomas keeping the fort up, but for how long?
- Passing amongst Habs forwards very sharp, tape to tape. Will be difficult to defend if they can maintain this accuracy.
- Gomez strong start, Martin has moved him up with Patioretty/Cole.
- Price overplays a shot by Ference from near the point, and poof goes the shutout streak. 1-0 Bruuuuns.
- Gomez doing everything you're supposed to do to score a goal - any goal - even a dirty goal, but it just ain't happening.
- Habs outplayed Boston in the period, but trail on the board. It happens.
Second Period:
- Cammalleri with a partial break, cupped the puck and was in the motion of releasing one of his usual dangerous wristers, from nowhere Chara flicks his stick and takes the puck away. He's not just big - he's good.
- Bit surprised with the speed advantage that the Habs forwards have failed to draw a penalty this far into the game.
- Gotta say the Eller/Gomez combo is working for me. But can either actually score?
- Officials steadfastly refusing to call interference tonight, even though there's been plenty around the Boston net.
- Price gonna give me cardiac arrest handling pucks with Bruins forwards literally 3 feet away.
- Habs PP. Finally. Martin sends Gomez out first line.
- Oh my. Gomez robbed deflecting shot by Cammalleri.
- No goals but plenty of quality chances. Lots of open nets hampered by bouncing puck. Luck not on Habs side yet.
- Bruins taking a couple of goon-esque penalties this period, the latest a cross check on Subban by Pouliot. Remember him?
- Oh man, Thomas unbeatable tonight, stoning Cammalleri point-blank. Are the Habs going to get Ryan Millered again?
Third Period:
- Is it irony or coincidence? Price's shutout streak ended at 132 minutes. If Thomas secures a shutout this period, his streak will stand at 133 minutes.
- Habs can't score on the 5 minute PP. At this point they need to just garbage one in. Don't think Thomas can be beaten any other way.
- Habs offense overthinking this one - Thomas getting in their heads. Beautiful cross ice pass spring Pacioretty all alone on Thomas. He doesn't pull the trigger looking to make one more pass.
- Thomas is inclined to give up rebounds. Just take the shots when you're presented opportunity, guys. Something's gotta give.
- Somebody's listening. Offense now taking their jabs at Thomas, no more pretty passes or perfect plays. The time for that has long passed.
- Emelin with an atrocious turnover at the Boston line leading to a Bruins breakaway. Still think he may be the odd guy out upon Markov's return.
- It hasn't been the fiercest Bruins/Habs battle ever, but losing this one will still be a bitter pill for Canadiens. They really have dominated, but Thomas just unbeatable.
- High drama. Bruins penalized with 1:39 left in 3rd.
- Thomas. Wow. Just. Wow.
- Habs end with a whimper. 6 on 4 PP totally disorganized.
- Shots on goal Habs 32, Bruins 18. The better team lost, but the winning team had Tim Thomas at the top of his game. Habs got Millered tonight.
Oh right. Anyway, What's not to like about tonight? Bruins have won 8 in a row, against the Habs who've won 8 of their last 11. Habs are 2-0-0 against the Bruuns, with Price now holding a shutout streak now past 132 minutes. Not to mention the Habs PK which is 31 for it's past 31, and hasn't surrendered a 5 on 4 goal since October 24 against the Penguins.
Oh yeah. The Penguins. Must. Not. Switch. Over.
With the Leafs coming back to earth (as expected), it's shaping up more and more to it being a three team race for first in the Division. Sabres, Bruins and Habs. It should be a great one tonight!
First Period:
- Chara pelted with boos. I've never understood the rationale behind this - what are the fans hoping for? That Chara's feelings will get hurt and he'll go home?
- Emelin with thunderous check on Lucic. Very nice.
- Plekanec brilliant deflection on point shot, puck floats over Thomas' right shoulder and just past the post.
- Bruins early PP opportunity. Habs streak put to the early test.
- Best chance to score on Bruins PP was by ... Moen, on lovely pass from Plekanec, just missed. Otherwise, another routine PK.
- Weber stick shattered into many pieces on that attempted shot from the line. Needs to look into another brand or model or something, this is happening too often.
- Habs far quicker, more aggressive team through first 12 minutes. Thomas keeping the fort up, but for how long?
- Passing amongst Habs forwards very sharp, tape to tape. Will be difficult to defend if they can maintain this accuracy.
- Gomez strong start, Martin has moved him up with Patioretty/Cole.
- Price overplays a shot by Ference from near the point, and poof goes the shutout streak. 1-0 Bruuuuns.
- Gomez doing everything you're supposed to do to score a goal - any goal - even a dirty goal, but it just ain't happening.
- Habs outplayed Boston in the period, but trail on the board. It happens.
Second Period:
- Cammalleri with a partial break, cupped the puck and was in the motion of releasing one of his usual dangerous wristers, from nowhere Chara flicks his stick and takes the puck away. He's not just big - he's good.
- Bit surprised with the speed advantage that the Habs forwards have failed to draw a penalty this far into the game.
- Gotta say the Eller/Gomez combo is working for me. But can either actually score?
- Officials steadfastly refusing to call interference tonight, even though there's been plenty around the Boston net.
- Price gonna give me cardiac arrest handling pucks with Bruins forwards literally 3 feet away.
- Habs PP. Finally. Martin sends Gomez out first line.
- Oh my. Gomez robbed deflecting shot by Cammalleri.
- No goals but plenty of quality chances. Lots of open nets hampered by bouncing puck. Luck not on Habs side yet.
- Bruins taking a couple of goon-esque penalties this period, the latest a cross check on Subban by Pouliot. Remember him?
- Oh man, Thomas unbeatable tonight, stoning Cammalleri point-blank. Are the Habs going to get Ryan Millered again?
Third Period:
- Is it irony or coincidence? Price's shutout streak ended at 132 minutes. If Thomas secures a shutout this period, his streak will stand at 133 minutes.
- Habs can't score on the 5 minute PP. At this point they need to just garbage one in. Don't think Thomas can be beaten any other way.
- Habs offense overthinking this one - Thomas getting in their heads. Beautiful cross ice pass spring Pacioretty all alone on Thomas. He doesn't pull the trigger looking to make one more pass.
- Thomas is inclined to give up rebounds. Just take the shots when you're presented opportunity, guys. Something's gotta give.
- Somebody's listening. Offense now taking their jabs at Thomas, no more pretty passes or perfect plays. The time for that has long passed.
- Emelin with an atrocious turnover at the Boston line leading to a Bruins breakaway. Still think he may be the odd guy out upon Markov's return.
- It hasn't been the fiercest Bruins/Habs battle ever, but losing this one will still be a bitter pill for Canadiens. They really have dominated, but Thomas just unbeatable.
- High drama. Bruins penalized with 1:39 left in 3rd.
- Thomas. Wow. Just. Wow.
- Habs end with a whimper. 6 on 4 PP totally disorganized.
- Shots on goal Habs 32, Bruins 18. The better team lost, but the winning team had Tim Thomas at the top of his game. Habs got Millered tonight.
Saturday, 19 November 2011
Game Twenty: Rangers v. Habs
So the red-hot Rangers are starting their number two Martin Biron between the pipes tonight, a slightly curious decision considering how New York have struggled in recent years just winning a game in Montreal, and given how brilliantly Henrik Lundqvist performed when these two clubs clashed earlier in the year.
Meanwhile, more attention that usual is being paid to the Scott Gomez situation, not only because the last time he scored (February 5th) was against his old Rangers team, but in light of the excellent season that New York's young start defenseman Ryan McDonagh has had, twisting the knife into the deflated hearts of Habs fans who have endured the aftereffects of what the worst trade in Canadiens' history since Serge Savard traded John LeClair and Eric Desjardins for Mark Recchi.
To add a little more salt to Gomez' humiliation wounds, since his February 5 goal, he has posted more than 100 shots without finding the back of the net, an indicator of his offense absurd futility.
First Period:
- Hard to estimate the value of someone like Price when he makes saves like the one just made on Gaborik. The rationale being you're scoring every time your netminders makes a save that most others can't.
- Good grief. What a ridiculous shot by Erik Cole. He's worth every penny plus change.
- Habs storming out of the gate, Rangers in survival mode right now.
- Strange interference call on St-Denis, who played the body with the puck at his feet. Can't figure that one out.
- Habs PK really has been excellent for the past month. Combination of strong netminding and positional play/shot blocking biggest factors.
- Rangers forwards are so strong, they basically carry the puck to the net at will. Tough team to defend.
- Habs haven't surrendered a PP goal since November 5th.
- Smattering of boos as Gomez controls the puck. Patience is running out amongst the flock.
- Weber provided two high percentage setups at the point on the PP, fans on both.
- While he's struggled to score this year, really think Subban should get first shift instead of Webber. His shot is certainly harder, and he rarely wiffs at the plate.
Second Period:
- Rangers defense quite nimble in adjusting to play around their net. Frustrating many good chances for the Habs with blocked and deflected shots.
- Richards with an absolute cannon on a 4-on-1 New York break. Price ducking to prevent decapitation.
- Biron gives Gionta and the Habs an early Xmas gift. Believe it or not, Gomez picks up an assist. 2-0.
- 30 seconds later, Gionta tries the same shot from the same spot. Biron easily turns it away. Worth a shot, I guess.
- Habs with excellent puck control on the PP (they've really improved on this since Pearns' dismissal), but no challenging shots or aggressive traffic in front of Biron.
- Rangers have had the occasional tough chance on Price, but really, it's been a pretty quiet night in the Habs' side of the sheet. Young defense continues to impress.
- Second period nearly complete, Rangers may not have 10 registered shots before the buzzer. They have a PP now, though.
- Having your best PK player in the box (Gorges) hurts.
- St-Denis a lazy trip, but the Rangers called for a dive. Wash out.
- St-Denis has filled in admirably since his callup, but he's taken far too many careless minors in his zone.
- Habs now 30 for last 30 short handed. Wow.
- How many minutes since Price surrendered a goal? It's starting to pile up.
- Rangers did reach the 10 mark for SOG through 40 minutes. So that's a positive ... I guess?
Third Period:
- Erik Cole, who's had another excellent night, reminds me of a faster version of Vincent Damphousse.
- Scott Gomez, who may never score again, can't beat Biron on a clear cut breakaway. Can't even remember when he's had a breakaway, never mind an actual goal.
- All the criticism aside, really do feel bad for Gomez, in the way you feel bad about driving past a starving, homeless dog. You know their end is near, and you wish you could do something, but it's best to just look the other way.
- Canadiens with the puck on a string, and Plekanec finally scores. The PP continues to look better and better.
- Linemates doing everything possible to set up Gomez for a goal. Just ain't gonna happen.
- Habs with a masterful checking performance tonight. Rangers still stuck on 10 shots.
- Total lack of discipline by Rangers - march to the box indicates they've given up on this one.
- Again, I just don't think Weber's one-timers are nearly as dangerous as Subban's, but Weber continues to get the lion's share of time.
- Subban with a lazy (failed) attempt to keep the puck in - isn't going to earn more PP time with that effort.
- Gionta with a bullet and Gomez (!!) his second assist of the the game. Will he be named one of the game's three stars? Methinks he will.
- This is easily the Habs most impressive win so far this season. Rangers who (were) the League's hottest team were made to look pretty ordinary.
- 31 for 31. Heckuva streak.
- Habs giant killers. Get big well-deserved standing-o from those at the Bell. Now have to face the newest hottest team in the NHL, the Bruins, on Monday night at home. Methinks that'll be a humdinger.
Meanwhile, more attention that usual is being paid to the Scott Gomez situation, not only because the last time he scored (February 5th) was against his old Rangers team, but in light of the excellent season that New York's young start defenseman Ryan McDonagh has had, twisting the knife into the deflated hearts of Habs fans who have endured the aftereffects of what the worst trade in Canadiens' history since Serge Savard traded John LeClair and Eric Desjardins for Mark Recchi.
To add a little more salt to Gomez' humiliation wounds, since his February 5 goal, he has posted more than 100 shots without finding the back of the net, an indicator of his offense absurd futility.
First Period:
- Hard to estimate the value of someone like Price when he makes saves like the one just made on Gaborik. The rationale being you're scoring every time your netminders makes a save that most others can't.
- Good grief. What a ridiculous shot by Erik Cole. He's worth every penny plus change.
- Habs storming out of the gate, Rangers in survival mode right now.
- Strange interference call on St-Denis, who played the body with the puck at his feet. Can't figure that one out.
- Habs PK really has been excellent for the past month. Combination of strong netminding and positional play/shot blocking biggest factors.
- Rangers forwards are so strong, they basically carry the puck to the net at will. Tough team to defend.
- Habs haven't surrendered a PP goal since November 5th.
- Smattering of boos as Gomez controls the puck. Patience is running out amongst the flock.
- Weber provided two high percentage setups at the point on the PP, fans on both.
- While he's struggled to score this year, really think Subban should get first shift instead of Webber. His shot is certainly harder, and he rarely wiffs at the plate.
Second Period:
- Rangers defense quite nimble in adjusting to play around their net. Frustrating many good chances for the Habs with blocked and deflected shots.
- Richards with an absolute cannon on a 4-on-1 New York break. Price ducking to prevent decapitation.
- Biron gives Gionta and the Habs an early Xmas gift. Believe it or not, Gomez picks up an assist. 2-0.
- 30 seconds later, Gionta tries the same shot from the same spot. Biron easily turns it away. Worth a shot, I guess.
- Habs with excellent puck control on the PP (they've really improved on this since Pearns' dismissal), but no challenging shots or aggressive traffic in front of Biron.
- Rangers have had the occasional tough chance on Price, but really, it's been a pretty quiet night in the Habs' side of the sheet. Young defense continues to impress.
- Second period nearly complete, Rangers may not have 10 registered shots before the buzzer. They have a PP now, though.
- Having your best PK player in the box (Gorges) hurts.
- St-Denis a lazy trip, but the Rangers called for a dive. Wash out.
- St-Denis has filled in admirably since his callup, but he's taken far too many careless minors in his zone.
- Habs now 30 for last 30 short handed. Wow.
- How many minutes since Price surrendered a goal? It's starting to pile up.
- Rangers did reach the 10 mark for SOG through 40 minutes. So that's a positive ... I guess?
Third Period:
- Erik Cole, who's had another excellent night, reminds me of a faster version of Vincent Damphousse.
- Scott Gomez, who may never score again, can't beat Biron on a clear cut breakaway. Can't even remember when he's had a breakaway, never mind an actual goal.
- All the criticism aside, really do feel bad for Gomez, in the way you feel bad about driving past a starving, homeless dog. You know their end is near, and you wish you could do something, but it's best to just look the other way.
- Canadiens with the puck on a string, and Plekanec finally scores. The PP continues to look better and better.
- Linemates doing everything possible to set up Gomez for a goal. Just ain't gonna happen.
- Habs with a masterful checking performance tonight. Rangers still stuck on 10 shots.
- Total lack of discipline by Rangers - march to the box indicates they've given up on this one.
- Again, I just don't think Weber's one-timers are nearly as dangerous as Subban's, but Weber continues to get the lion's share of time.
- Subban with a lazy (failed) attempt to keep the puck in - isn't going to earn more PP time with that effort.
- Gionta with a bullet and Gomez (!!) his second assist of the the game. Will he be named one of the game's three stars? Methinks he will.
- This is easily the Habs most impressive win so far this season. Rangers who (were) the League's hottest team were made to look pretty ordinary.
- 31 for 31. Heckuva streak.
- Habs giant killers. Get big well-deserved standing-o from those at the Bell. Now have to face the newest hottest team in the NHL, the Bruins, on Monday night at home. Methinks that'll be a humdinger.
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