Nights like tonight are going to happen a lot this season. We knew it coming in, so it should be no surprise. Still, it sucks. Quite a bit in fact.
The Rangers blew a two goal lead to fall 5-4 in overtime against the Original Six rival Montreal Canadiens. They were sloppy, they were lazy and they were undisciplined. For all of the tough talk from Torts, the coach seemed incapable of reining his players in. But how could he be all that mad? They played his all-attack, jump-in-the-rush system and they were burned for it by a faster, smarter team.
Just a warning, there is plenty of bitterness below:
*Since day one, this team struggled inside the blueline. Dan Girardi and Marc Staal are quite good - as three and four defensemen. They have been thrust into the top pairing and have yet to get their play to a consistent level where either one deserve it. They have their moments - loved the jump save by Danny to keep the puck in on the Kotalik goal - but neither is mature enough to be top pairing guys.
*Matt Gilroy scored a power play goal. Yay. Matt Gilroy waved at Mike Cammalleri as Cams cut into the slot to score the game-winner in overtime. Boo. Ah, the ups and downs of youth. That kind of stuff has to be expected from a rookie. But what is he doing out on the ice in overtime to begin with?
*Not only did Chris Higgins not score, he was out of position plenty, took a bad penalty and was benched for the third period. Welcome home Higs! Way to shove it in the Montreal fans' faces for being in their doghouse so often by jumping into ours. *On the other side of the coin, the MexiCan't played a motivated game and collected a pair of assists. I gotta say, I loved that dive he took, he almost sold it too. Almost. Maybe shouldn't have grabbed the Ranger stick before falling ...
*Brandon Dubinsky saw the bench a bunch late. In the second period Dubi turned the puck over in the neutral zone, which led to the Habs second goal of the night. Tortorella seemingly believed that goal was what lost the game for the team, as he threw Dubi under the bus during the postgame for the gaffe. One turnover does not a loss like this make.
*In the end Dubi saw just 8:51 in ice time. Vinny Prospal played 24:51. And yet it was Prospal's stupid, careless penalty that jump started the Canadiens comeback. Ah, hypocritical accountability - the Tortorella way. And then Cams skated right past Prospal on his way to score the game-winner. But not a poor word was said from waht I heard ...
*Soon after that D'Agostini goal Marian Gaborik scored a tremendous one of his own to put the Rangers up by two. We knew Gabby was good, but damn is he blowing the locks off. That tap-the-puck-behind-the-back-to-himself to set up the breakaway was amazing. Shows of skill like that are just going to make it that much more painful when he inevitably gets injured. *When Dubi and Max Lapierre went crashing into Hank it certainly appeared that our season was over. Hank writhing in pain = bad, very, very bad. It is the third time by my recollection that Hank got nailed this season by one of his own players who was rushing to backcheck. But the Rangers are playing that open-ice, all-attack system so that is what you are gonna get.
*Picking at an old scab, when you take stupid penalty after stupid penalty, your penalty kill had better be great. It wasn't, but don't worry, the muscle of Voros and Boyle was much more important than, say, Blair Betts' selflessness would have been. Hope everyone enjoyed the beating Boyle laid on Matt D'Agostini.
*But Chris Drury was out there to kill penalties. The captain, like Torts' pal Prospal, hasn't heard a bad word from the coach yet and continues his poor play. Dru took a penalty, had one shot and went 9-9 in the circle. Certainly not the kind of effort expected from the captain of the New York Rangers.
*Sean Avery did not get credited with a single hit. How is that possible?
*Before I get to the stars and call it a (miserable) night, I just want to say RIP to the Big Whistle. My dad had fond memories of the man who, I must admit, I thought had already passed. I've mentioned it before but my first memory was when I was three and my dad was yelling "Shoot the puck Barry" at the tv - the line Bill Chadwick is best known for from his day as an announcer.
*PHW Three Stars
3-Marian Gaborik - one goal and one assist.
2-Brian Gionta - two assists.
1-Mike Cammalleri - three goals and one assist.
Scotty Hockey Three Stars3-Paul Mara - Mara had the quiet, workman-like effort that he so often had as a Ranger and we so desperately miss now. That is not to say that Rozy and Redden were bad (they actually weren't) but there is no calm personality that can settle things down anymore.
2-Gionta - That feed to Cams from his belly was awesome.
1-Cama-lama-ding-dong - Tip of the hat to the hat trick. Cams has a helluva lotta speed and is making the transition to the East look easy.
7-3-1: Madness In Montreal - The Resilience of the Canadiens
In the heart of Montreal, Quebec, the Canadiens have long been a symbol of hockey excellence and passion. The record 7-3-1: Madness In Montreal encapsulates the rollercoaster ride of a hockey season marked by ups, downs, and the unwavering support of the Canadiens' devoted fan base. In this article, we will take a deep dive into the captivating history of the Montreal Canadiens, exploring their legacy, iconic players, memorable moments, and addressing frequently asked questions (FAQs) that provide insights into the enduring spirit of this beloved NHL team.
The Montreal Canadiens: A Legacy of Excellence
Founding and Early Years
The Montreal Canadiens, founded in 1909, are one of the oldest and most storied franchises in the NHL. They quickly established themselves as a powerhouse, winning their first Stanley Cup in 1916.
The Canadiens' Legacy
The Canadiens' legacy is intertwined with their record 24 Stanley Cup championships, the most by any team in NHL history. Legends like Maurice Richard, Jean Béliveau, and Guy Lafleur have graced the Canadiens' iconic red, white, and blue jersey.
Key Figures in Canadiens History
Over the years, the Montreal Canadiens have been home to legendary players who have left an indelible mark on the franchise:
Maurice Richard: Known as the "Rocket," Richard was the first player to score 50 goals in 50 games and remains one of the greatest goal scorers in NHL history.
Jean Béliveau: Béliveau was not only an exceptional player but also a beloved ambassador for the sport. His leadership on and off the ice made him an icon in Montreal.
Guy Lafleur: Lafleur's combination of speed and scoring ability made him one of the most electrifying players of his era. He helped lead the Canadiens to multiple championships.
Memorable Moments in Canadiens History
The Montreal Canadiens have had their share of unforgettable moments that have solidified their place in NHL lore:
The Richard Riot: The Richard Riot of 1955, sparked by the suspension of Maurice Richard, remains a defining moment in Canadiens history and a symbol of the passion of Montreal fans.
The 1970s Dynasty: The Canadiens' dominance in the 1970s, where they won multiple Stanley Cups, is considered one of the greatest dynasties in sports history.
Saku Koivu's Return: In 2002, Saku Koivu's emotional return to the ice after battling cancer touched the hearts of fans worldwide and symbolized the Canadiens' resilience.
7-3-1: Madness In Montreal
Team Identity and Style of Play
The Canadiens are known for their commitment to speed, skill, and strong defensive play. They are often characterized by their emphasis on teamwork and their ability to adapt to different styles of play.
Recent Performances and Challenges
In recent years, the Canadiens have faced challenges but have also experienced moments of promise. Their journey through the 2020-2021 season, marked by a 7-3-1 record, demonstrated their resilience and the potential for future success.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
As the Montreal Canadiens continue to capture the hearts of fans and make headlines, questions about the team frequently arise. Here are some FAQs about the Montreal Canadiens:
1. What is the significance of the Canadiens' iconic "CH" logo?
The "CH" logo is a symbol of pride and tradition in Montreal. It stands for "Club de hockey Canadien" and has become synonymous with the team's rich history and legacy.
2. How do the Canadiens maintain their passionate fan base despite periods of adversity?
The Canadiens' fan base is deeply loyal and passionate. The team's rich history, commitment to excellence, and cultural significance in Montreal contribute to the unwavering support of their fans.
3. What are the Canadiens' prospects for future success?
The Canadiens are a team with a rich tradition and a commitment to winning. Their prospects for future success depend on factors such as player development, roster moves, and the competitive landscape of the NHL.
4. How do the Canadiens celebrate their storied history and championship legacy?
The Canadiens honor their history through jersey retirements, statues of legendary players outside the Bell Centre, and events that bring together former players and the current team to celebrate their rich heritage.
5. What is the significance of the Canadiens' rivalry with the Boston Bruins?
The Canadiens-Bruins rivalry is one of the most storied and intense rivalries in sports. It represents a clash of cultures and has produced memorable moments in NHL history.
The record 7-3-1: Madness In Montreal symbolizes the resilience and passion that define the Montreal Canadiens and their devoted fan base. As one of the oldest and most successful franchises in NHL history, the Canadiens continue to be a source of pride for Montreal and a symbol of hockey excellence.
In the heart of Montreal, where hockey is more than just a sport but a way of life, the Canadiens remain an enduring testament to the enduring love and passion for the game. Their legacy of excellence, commitment to tradition, and the unwavering support of their fans ensure that the Canadiens will continue to be a central figure in the ever-evolving story of the NHL.
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