Because of a Flyers fan at work (seriously), I missed the pregame ceremony and it wasn't included in Rangers in 60 but I heard that it was wonderful. It certainly sounded like the highlight of a night that was bereft of them, at least for the Rangers as they floundered to a 6-2 loss in Montreal. What made it worse, yet understandable, is that it comes just one night after the wonderful win over the Pens.
The Canadiens had the weary Rangers on their heels from the drop of the puck and had full control for most of the night. The Rangers couldn't take advantage of early scoring chances and once the Habs broke through on an outrageous goal, not even the little Swedish boy couldn't put his finger in the dyke to stop the flood. Poor Hank, I thought he was going to pull himself from the game after the fourth goal against. He stayed in and was tagged with all six goals against but he could hardly be faulted for four of them. Man, does that sound terrible ...
*As Johnny Depp questioned in Once upon a time in Mexico, "are you a Mexican, or a Mexican't?" Scott Gomez is clearly the latter. For all of the talk about his puck rushing skill, he seems to rush right into coverage before dumping the puck off. And that is a skill? His passes have been off the mark, his shots have been off the mark (luckily they were redirected in against the Pens) and his defensive play has been awful (Hank had him to thank for that third goal against tonight). And fighting Saku Koivu? What the hell was that garbage about? Frustration on coming out of this one -4?
*On the other side of the coin, Petr Prucha answering the bell and taking on Max Lapierre (who finished with a Gordie Howe/Brendan Shanahan Hat Trick) was great. He was one of maybe three or four Rangers who played like they cared and it should ensure his spot in the lineup for another game.
*Gomez did get an assist on Nazzy's power play goal, which was pretty. In fact, both Ranger goals were sweet (Prucha Wednesday, Nigel Dawes Thursday? Who'da thunk it?!?), too bad style points aren't added to the bottom line.
*Blair Betts, who clearly deserves the A that adorns Gomez's jersey, was out with injury and his presence was lacking. Without him, there was no steadying force out there to calm down the troops and to battle the Begin line. I had picked Begin as the player to watch in the game preview and he proved me right with a whole lotta great work. It's guys like him that prove that hard work and dedication is more valuable than talent any day.
*Throwback jerseys for the Canadiens, throwback-looking gear for
*What the hell has happened to Aaron Voros? Dubinsky has been a shadow of his early-season self but Voros has been outright bad. He took a dumb penalty in this one while making a rare hit and he rarely can get a shot on net. A player of his limited talent needs to battle every second of every shift and that dedication does not seem to be there of late.
*I mentioned it yesterday but it deserves to be brought up again - something has to be done to get Dan Girardi's game going. Girardi was rock solid for a season and a half and being paired with Wade Redden has clearly cost him. Perhaps the 'lower body injury' that Redden suffered will be season ending and Corey Potter can come in to spark Danny's game. Let's face it, something has to be done.
*The scary/interesting/almost good thing is that despite yet another game of horrendous team defense, the Rangers still had a chance to win this one. If not for an early Robert Lang goal in the first minute of the third period that took away the Ranger momentum, they could have done something down by just two goals. *If Georges Laraque can get 11 minutes of ice time, why can't Colton Orr? For all of his constant, idiotic line juggling, Tom Renney still limited Orr to 6:46. It just doesn't make any sense to me. How does Prucha refuse Renney's request to head to Hartford and then step into the lineup and get twice as much ice time as Orr, who has done everything asked of him this season while playing the best hockey of his career?
*Talking numbers, one night after registering 44 hits at home, the Rangers had just 15 in this one. I guess Hits is just a bit of an arbitrary stat ... just a bit.
*PHW Three Stars
3-Steve Begin - one goal and one assist.
2-Maxim Lapierre - one goal, one assist and one fight.
1-Matt D'Agostini - one goal and one assist.
Scotty Hockey Three Stars3-Andrei Kostitsyn - Kostitsyn's first period goal will probably be the top tally of the week. It was beautiful. And, let's face it, it drained all of the early energy out of the Rangers - what little there was after the Pens game.
2-Andrei Markov - Who needs Mike Komisarek? Markov's defense was solid while he helped spark the offense with two assists.
1-Begin - Begin was the catalyst for his line's success, that simple. He was a more controlled version of Ryan Callahan and it worked to his team's favour.
18-9-2: Habs And Hab Nots - A Look at the Montreal Canadiens' Season
The Montreal Canadiens, one of the most storied franchises in the National Hockey League (NHL), have a rich history filled with triumphs and championships. However, recent seasons have been a rollercoaster for the Habs and their dedicated fanbase. In this article, we'll take a deep dive into the Montreal Canadiens' 2023-2024 season, explore their successes, challenges, and what lies ahead.
I. A Strong Start
Early Season Form
The Canadiens entered the 2023-2024 NHL season with high hopes and didn't disappoint their fans. With an impressive 18-9-2 record, they demonstrated their potential as contenders in a highly competitive league.
Offensive Firepower
Montreal's offense, led by emerging stars and veteran players, was firing on all cylinders. The team's ability to score goals consistently was a key factor in their early-season success.
II. Standout Performers
Superstar Goaltending
Goaltending is often the backbone of any successful team, and the Canadiens had it in spades. Their netminders consistently delivered exceptional performances, keeping them in contention night after night.
Youthful Energy
The infusion of young talent brought renewed energy to the Canadiens. Players like Cole Caufield and Nick Suzuki showcased their skills and hinted at a bright future for the franchise.
III. Challenges Faced
Defensive Struggles
While the offense was thriving, the Canadiens faced defensive challenges, with occasional lapses leading to goals against. Addressing this issue would be crucial moving forward.
Injury Woes
Injuries to key players can be a significant setback for any team. Montreal had to navigate through injuries to key contributors, testing their depth and resilience.
IV. Habs vs. Hab Nots
Building for the Future
The Canadiens' strong start prompted discussions about whether they should focus on a deep playoff run or continue building for the future. Balancing short-term success with long-term goals became a key question.
Trade Deadline Decisions
As the trade deadline approached, Montreal had to make decisions about whether to be buyers or sellers. The choices made could shape the team's direction for seasons to come.
V. FAQs About the Montreal Canadiens' Season
Q1: Who are the standout players for the Canadiens this season?
A1: Several players have stepped up, but goaltenders and young talents like Cole Caufield and Nick Suzuki have been particularly noteworthy.
Q2: How is Montreal addressing their defensive struggles?
A2: The team has been actively exploring trade options and defensive acquisitions to bolster their blue line.
Q3: What's the outlook for the Canadiens at the trade deadline?
A3: Montreal's approach to the trade deadline will depend on their performance leading up to the deadline and their long-term vision.
The Montreal Canadiens' 2023-2024 season has been a mix of highs and lows, showcasing their potential as a formidable team while also highlighting areas that need improvement. With a dedicated fanbase and a rich history, the Canadiens are always under the spotlight. As the season progresses and the trade deadline looms, the decisions made by the organization will have a profound impact on the team's immediate and long-term future. Canadiens fans can only hope that their team finds the right balance between being Habs and "Hab Nots" as they continue their journey through the NHL season.
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