"Everybody’s working for the weekendEverybody wants a little romanceEverybody’s goin’ off the deep endEverybody needs a second chance, ohCanadian Rock Band – Loverboy"
The Montreal Canadiens bought flowers and wine for their fans on Friday night . The following evening , the fans realized that sometimes love is blind as the Habs failed to return the affection that was waiting for them as they arrived home from a night out on the town of Buffalo.
In a game that could have been an excellent goaltender`s battle if the Sabres` Ryan Miller had played – instead became a good hockey game against two `lost ` hockey teams. The Montreal Canadiens continue to struggle offensively and the Buffalo Sabres continue to struggle in every department. Buffalo`s offense is at least existent at times yet unfortunately for the Buffalo group and most groups of forwards this season – Carey Price is the Carey Price that was drafted 5th overall .
The Habs netminder was the difference, especially in the first period as the Sabres directed 15 shots at Price with Sabre Mike Grier being the only beneficiary of a Buffalo goal as he lifted a backhander past Price late in the first. That goal was matched by the Habs Jeff Halpern just over a minute later as the Hab newcomer continues to impress with his fourth goal of the season. The rate Halpern is going – he`ll double Scott Gomez`s output of an entire season by February. A fourth line player should not be leading the team`s number one money maker in points no matter what time of the season.
On this night – the fourth line won the game for the Habs as Halpern added two assists, Benoit Pouliot netted two goals and Mathieu Darche chipped in with a couple of assists. Andrei Markov, playing in his fourth game since last season`s play – off match against Pittsburgh added an assist while defensive partner Josh Gorges also contributed a helper. The Habs top two lines had some chances but Gomez, Gionta, Cammalleri, Plekanec, Eller and Kostisyn were all held of the scoresheet for the second consecutive game.
Martin`s continuing line juggling is not doing anything productive for the team so maybe it is time for the Habs management to `bite the bullet`and admit that the player that they received for Halak, Lars Eller , is not that good or not ready for the NHL. At the same time – five million a year or not, sit Scott Gomez in the press box for a game or two to make him realize how fortunate he is to be playing at the NHL level and making enough money to rescue the entire country of Haiti from their recent problems. It is time for coach Martin to inform G.M Pierre Gauthier that this batch of Habs are in serious danger of missing the play -offs if they continue to squander important points that may be the difference at the end of April.
The Kids are Allright
The leading scorers in Hamilton right now are David Desharnais, Max
Pacioretty and Yannik Weber. Aaron Palushaj is fourth and the most productive with eleven points in six games. Palushaj was very impressive at the Habs training camp and was one of the final players to be sent `down `to Hamilton. Aaron looked real good alongside Cammalleri and Plekanec in a couple of pre- season matches and he, along with Desharnais and Pacioretty are just may be what the doctor ordered to inject some life into an anemic offense and power play. Jaroslav Spacek, the Habs blueliner has struggled all season long so a seat alongside Gomez in the press box while Weber does his best to jump start a non – existent Montreal powerplay. Along with Subban and Markov , Weber would add one more quarterback to the five man unit and allow Jacques Martin more options when something is not working.
Hab – Sens
Instead of the Habs gaining momentum from their 3 – 2 victory Friday night, they returned home looking much like the bunch that lost back to back games against the lowly Panthers and the BlueJackets. Brian Gionta ended his third longest slump of his career and scored a decent one man effort goal at 15 ;53 of the third period yet it was little too late as the visiting Senators conquered the Habs 3 – 2. Former Hab Kovalev netted two goals against his former mates including the winner at 6 : 42 of the third. Zach Smith scored the other Senator goal as the team from the nation`s capital seem to be regaining some form and are closing the gap between them and the 8 – 5 – 1 Habs.
Again Price was the difference between a 3 – 2 loss and a 7 – 2 one as he was selected the number two star by the fans. These are the precious points that the Habs cannot afford to lose, especially against conference friends. Bring up some kids – keep the Cammalleri – Plekanec – Kostisyn line together. Add Weber and hopefully offense will come.
That way – everyone who is working for the weekend can enjoy a Saturday Night love affair with the home team.