Old McDonald Had A Farm …

Here a Duck , there a Duck – everywhere a Duck ,  Duck…

That’s the way the Montreal Canadiens must have felt during the second intermission last night. Saku Koivu’s new team from Anaheim dominated and the scoreboard showed those results . It was  3 – 1 for ‘ Les Canards ‘ entering the third.

The game commenced as most hockey fans felt that it would – with emotion.

Saku Koivu –  the Habs’ wayward Captain , the prodigal son , returned ‘ home ‘ after a year and a half absence. The ovation started previous to the National Anthems and finished with thunder as the the local crowd demonstrated their appreciation for all Koivu accomplished in a Canadiens’ uniform.

Most of Koivu ‘s memories in Montreal , the prominent ones , were of the  non -hockey type. His battle with Cancer and his fight  with the French media over number eleven  not willing to speak French.There were also the numerous injuries including a stick to the eye that almost ended his sight. Koivu ‘s tenure in Montreal will be remembered more for a man with so much courage – it is surprising that Kovalev was able to look Saku in the eye when the two were teammates in Montreal.

The current team of the bleu , blanc et rouge got wrapped in the blanket of emotion and seemed to be one step behind their Western Conference counter – parts for most of the night .  The sole player that actually did work for the Habs was Koivu himself.

Saku took three penalties in the game and his final one , at 18 :45 of the final segment – allowed the Habs an opportunity to tie a 3 – 2 Duck lead. It was power play mode for Montreal and the team was pyched. Especially after Mathieu Darche brought the team to within one just three minutes earlier. It was Darche ‘s eight  of the season and it could not have come at a better time.

The Habs outshot the Ducks 23 – 5  in the third period and Jonas Hillier was outstanding – sort of…

Hillier kept the CH crested disc out of his net thirty – seven times. Half of which were of  decent caliber. Problem was – the Habs fired forty shots at Hillier and two of three that ‘got away ‘  were weaker than an Olson Twin’s  attempt to lift a five pound weight. Hillier was good most of the night but was really bad on Pacioretty  and Darche’s goals. Pacioretty tied the game with : 14 seconds left in regulation and most Pee – Wee goalies would not have allowed that goal.

Hillier made amends in the shoot – out as it appeared that the weak goals did not faze him.He was animated a he shut the locker room door on Pouliot, Kostisyn and Gionta. Bobby Ryan made Koivu feel better as he was the sole visitor to beat Price. Koivu did warrant an assist in his return and finished the game with a plus / minus of 0. He was also named the game’s second star.

Integrity reared it’s head for the Habs once more. Max Pacioretty netted two goals as he continues to impress since his recall from the Farm.

You can’t win ’em all…..

EE-I-EE-I-O.

Habs play in Philadelphia on Thursday in their final game before Carey Price heads to Carolina for the All – Star game. Le match ce commence a 19 : 30

See what Eugene Markman is saying at Broad Street Buzz about the Flyers.

Too Many Men on the Site ? Kick ’em out !