Merry Christmas! Montreal Canadiens beat NY Islanders

So what happens when you don’t show up to play in the first period and allow the first goal? Absolutely nothing. Let’s take a look at how the Montreal Canadiens were able to defeat the New York Islanders tonight on the road.

Dec 23, 2014; Uniondale, NY, USA; Montreal Canadiens defenseman Andrei Markov (79) celebrates his goal against the New York Islanders with teammates during the second period at Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

First off, the advanced stats guys hate the Montreal Canadiens. They in theory should lose games like tonight where they are out-shot, out-chanced and out-played. The thing about advanced stats they don’t consider guys like Carey Price into their equation. The Habs were nothing short of brutal in the first period and the only reason they were only down 1-0 by the end of it was number 31 standing tall in his crease. I’ve said it before and I’ll keep saying it until things change, slow starts are on the coaching staff. It shows that the players just aren’t ready to play when the puck drops.

If you can get by all the fancy stats and just breathe for a moment, you’ll look at the Habs and see a team that is far more resilient than many give them credit for. They’re able to continually give up the first goal but never seem to be truly out of the game, because their transition game is one of their greatest strengths. Will they be able to continue to keep winning when they trail after one? Well that is debatable but learning to play from behind is something that will pay dividends in the post season.

Dec 23, 2014; Uniondale, NY, USA; Montreal Canadiens defenseman Nathan Beaulieu (28) and New York Islanders right wing Cal Clutterbuck (15) chase after the puck during the second period at Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Time to give some credit where credit is due. Kudos to the Micheal Therrien for not breaking up his newly formed 1st line, as they continue to deliver timely offense. Also it took way too many games, but Nathan Beaulieu finally got bumped up to the 2nd pairing alongside Sergei Gonchar and looked like he belonged there. I truly like Alexei Emelin, but his play still hasn’t improved much, and he’s playing like he’s playing with a live grenade every time he touches the puck. A little less ice time might make turn into dividends from the big Russian checking machine.

Here are some players that I want to single out after tonight’s game;

David Desharnais – He’s making it work away from the spotlight. His tip-in goal was a thing of beauty.
Andrei Markov – Congrats on your 800th game! Getting an important goal was just a bonus for the veteran rearguard.
Brendan Gallagher – 2nd game in a row with the game winning goal. Being on the 1st line is really making his play standout.

What was important with tonight’s game was that the Habs picked up two points in regulation, and they go into their break with some momentum. They needed a road win in the worst way and they got one against a surprisingly strong Islander team. The team has to work on getting up for the beginning of a game, but that’s something they can work on.

Dec 23, 2014; Uniondale, NY, USA; Montreal Canadiens right wing Brendan Gallagher (11) plays the puck in front of New York Islanders defenseman Travis Hamonic (3) and defenseman Calvin de Haan (44) during the first period at Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Finally, with so many of their divisional rivals winning tonight, it was important to bank the points and stay tied for the division lead. There are still plenty of games to go, but teams that are in a playoff position come Boxing Day are almost always assured a playoff spot at the end of the season. So barring an epic collapse we have plenty to be grateful for this Christmas season.

Thanks for reading!

106. 3. 152. Final. 1

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