27-10-4: Nothing Good At The Garden

It is not that the Rangers lost to the Senators 3-0 on Thursday night, it is the manner in which they did it.

Losses are going to happen - these are not the '76-77 Canadiens. But there are ways to lose and walk away with head held high. This was not one of those ways.

The Blueshirts played largely without a pulse for much of the 60 minutes and made a mediocre goaltender look great. They have done it often over the last few years with a litany of goaltenders - Al Montoya, Joey MacDonald, Rick DiPietro, Dwayne Roloson, Scott Clemmensen, and Craig Anderson (more than once). They shot at the logo on Anderson's chest and let his defense do the rest. They also made stupid mistakes and sloppy plays and they had a DOA power play - all things that have to be fixed for this team to go anywhere.

Late Hits:

*It is games like these that give fodder to Sean Avery supporters like myself. There were no shift disturbers, there was no spark, there was little life in blue out there. Most rushes were one (-shot) and done, no one got in Anderson's grill, Spezza had time and space and no distractions.

*What is stupefying is how the Rangers didn't respond to Brandon Prust. Prust fights a guy he shouldn't have, lands a few punches, rips his hand open and returns to the game. The guy literally bled for the team tonight and what did the rest of the guys do? Not a whole helluvalot, that's what.

*His old buddy Brian Boyle is the worst Ranger right now. That includes Rupp. That includes Del Zaster. Boyle is not just a waste of space, but on this night he was a detriment to the team. All evidence of those much publicized skating lessons is gone. He can't score, he can't shoot, he can't hit, he can't win faceoffs. Somehow the Garden scorekeeper credited him with eight hits, which I'm guessing included his accidentally running into guys while not paying attention or running into guys to stop. He lost 11 of 19 faceoffs, he turned the puck over, he tries to stickhandle like he is Datsyuk or something ... Boyle is back to being the frustrating big bod that Los Angeles smartly gave up on.

*Marc Staal was more involved in this one than in any other previous games since his return. Staal had one of the Blueshirts' best chances on a rebound five and a half minutes into the first period. But his interest in the attack also cost the Rangers as he pinched while shorthanded in the third. Carl Hagelin's pass to him was intercepted and Spezza came back to score the nail-in-the-coffin third Senator goal. Staal is slowly returning to his former stature but it is a process.

*Wolski made his triumphant return to the Garden and looked like he didn't miss a moment - he was just as useless after his injury as he was before it.

*Still haven't seen the Del Zaster save as he slid through the crease. Did he do it intentionally? If so, gotta give credit where due - the fall worked there. It didn't on the two-on-one that made it a 3-0 game. Everyone gets lucky now and then. Everyone defends his defensive shortcomings with his ability on the other side of the ice but DZ played six minutes on the power play and did nothing. Erik Karlsson is awful in his own end but he is an All Star because his passing, instincts and speed are outstanding. Del Zaster doesn't come close.

*DZ didn't get a single shot off despite 20 minutes of ice time. Gabby didn't get a shot on goal either. He didn't have a single shot that was blocked. He didn't have a shot that missed the net. The Slovakian Slacker is supposed to be a sniper. I'm pretty sure snipers are supposed to be able to be invisible and to shoot with pinpoint accuracy. Gabby was just invisible.

*Brad Richards was hardly there as well, but he got dumped by Olivia Munn so we have to let him off the hook for this one. I'm sure there are other hot yet incredibly unfunny women out there for him.

*PHW Three Stars
3-Milan Michalek - one goal.
2-Jason Spezza - two goals.
1-Craig Anderson - 34 saves.

Scotty Hockey Three Stars
3-Kyle Turris - Michalek may be an All Star and he did have that nice goal but Turris was more of a consistent threat. It appears that the deal for Rundblad and a second wasn't as lopsided as it seemed.
2-Karlsson - Talked to some of the Senators' staff yesterday and they said silky Swede has simplified his game. While biased, they were right - he doesn't do anything fancy in his own end and still has that ice sight on attack.
1-Spezza - Spezza was the game-breaking talent Brad Richards was supposed to be, but he came in with heart intact and he came to play.

Title: 27-10-4: Nothing Good at the Garden

Introduction

In the world of sports, certain numbers hold a unique significance. For fans of the Montreal Canadiens, the numbers 27-10-4 evoke memories of a fateful night at the Madison Square Garden. In this article, we will delve into the story behind these numbers, exploring the events of that evening, the impact it had on the Canadiens, and answering some frequently asked questions (FAQs) about this memorable game.

The Numbers 27-10-4: A Season to Remember

The numbers 27-10-4 represent the regular-season record of the Montreal Canadiens for the 1995-96 NHL season. This season holds a special place in the hearts of Canadiens fans for several reasons.

Breaking Down the Numbers:

27: This number signifies the total number of games won by the Montreal Canadiens during the regular season. Winning 27 games is a significant achievement in any NHL season.

10: The digit 10 represents the number of games lost by the Canadiens during the regular season. A relatively low loss total speaks to the team's consistency and competitiveness.

4: The final digit, 4, indicates the number of ties the Canadiens recorded during that season. Ties were more common in the NHL at the time, as games could end without a clear winner.

The '95-'96 Canadiens: A Season of Excellence

The 1995-96 Montreal Canadiens, coached by Jacques Demers, were a team to be reckoned with. With a mix of veteran talent and emerging stars, they were poised for success from the start.

Key Highlights of the Season:

Theodore Shines: The '95-'96 season marked the arrival of a young goaltender named Jose Theodore. While he played a limited role that season, Theodore would later become a prominent figure in Canadiens history.

Captain Koivu: Saku Koivu took over the captaincy that season, becoming the first European-born captain in Canadiens history. His leadership and skill on the ice were invaluable.

Playoff Push: The Canadiens' regular-season success translated into a strong playoff run. They made it to the Eastern Conference Semifinals before being eliminated by the New York Rangers.

The Fateful Game at Madison Square Garden

The Madison Square Garden in New York City is one of the most iconic venues in sports. On January 3, 1996, the Canadiens faced the New York Rangers in what would become a historic game.

Key Aspects of the Game:

Brace for Impact: The Canadiens entered the game at Madison Square Garden with their impressive 27-10-4 record, and expectations were high.

Rangers' Dominance: However, the New York Rangers, led by the legendary Wayne Gretzky, were in peak form. They dominated the game, defeating the Canadiens by a score of 8-2.

Gretzky's Hat Trick: Wayne Gretzky, often called "The Great One," put on a clinic, recording a hat trick (three goals) and three assists in the game.

Impact on the Season: The Canadiens' loss at Madison Square Garden marked a turning point in their season. While they still finished with an impressive record, the game had a lasting impact on their confidence and morale.

FAQs About the '95-'96 Canadiens

Did the Canadiens win the Stanley Cup that season?

No, the Montreal Canadiens did not win the Stanley Cup in the 1995-96 season. They made a playoff run but were eliminated in the Eastern Conference Semifinals by the New York Rangers.

What was the significance of Saku Koivu's captaincy?

Saku Koivu's captaincy was significant as he became the first European-born captain in Canadiens history. It was a testament to his leadership qualities and the team's willingness to embrace change.

Why was the game at Madison Square Garden so impactful?

The game at Madison Square Garden was impactful because of the lopsided score and Wayne Gretzky's outstanding performance. It had a psychological effect on the Canadiens and served as a reminder of the challenges they faced.

How did the Canadiens recover from the loss at Madison Square Garden?

The Canadiens displayed resilience by finishing the regular season with a strong record. While the loss was a setback, it didn't define their entire season.

What was Jose Theodore's role in the '95-'96 season, and how did his career progress afterward?

Jose Theodore had a limited role in the '95-'96 season but went on to become one of the Canadiens' most notable goaltenders in the years that followed. He won the Hart Trophy as the league's most valuable player in 2002.

The numbers 27-10-4 may represent a season of excellence for the Montreal Canadiens, but they also serve as a reminder of a fateful night at the Madison Square Garden. The game against the New York Rangers had a profound impact on the team's morale, despite their impressive overall record. It stands as a testament to the unpredictability of sports and the enduring memories created by the highs and lows of a season. As Canadiens fans reflect on the '95-'96 season, they remember the moments of triumph and the lessons learned from the game at Madison Square Garden.