Regardless of the outcomes this week, one thing was for certain. Carey Price brought his ‘A’ game on this three games road trip. While facing a total of 116 shots, and only allowing three goals, Price backstopped the Canadiens to consecutive victories against the Atlanta Thrashers, the Florida Panthers, and last night, the Tampa Bay Lightning. He was spectacular when required, and gave the Canadiens to goaltending they needed.
With Price leading the way, Andrei Kostitsyn, who has been removed from Scott Gomez’s trio, has produced points in seven straight games. Unlike some others, who have taken advantage of opportunities created by others, AK46 has been the one manufacturing chances, through his hard work along the half-wall in the offensive zone, and the use of his speed. He has been the catalyst lately than the Habs expected him to be early on it the season.
All the while, effectively yet quietly, Lars Eller is beginning to emerge as a hard-working, hard nose centre. While he did get two minor penalties last night, he has also contributed on the score-sheet, with goals in the last couple of games. His work ethic cannot be questioned, as he has become one of the Canadiens’ best players at both ends of the rink.
We could also look at the positive contributions of David Desharnais. The small centreman, built in the mold of Brian Gionta and Martin St. Louis, is finding his niche with the Habs. Last night, after a quick feed from behind the net, he used his magnificent hands to score a beautiful goal on Tampa’s Dwayne Roloson. He did the same two night previous, when he used all of his 5 feet, 7 inches to bring down a clearing attempt by Benoit Pouliot, and squeak one of Florida’s Scott Clemmensen.
Finally, there is the continued success of Max Pacioretty. The Canadiens’ rising star, has been the power forward they hoped he would be, potting two goals in last night’s 4-2 victory. And the suddenly offensive-minded Hal Gill (you can detect the sarcasm, right?) has been a pleasant surprise.
However, there is still many concerns among the Canadiens. Forwards Scott Gomez, Brian Gionta, Michael Cammalleri and Tomas Plekanec have all but disappeared from the score-sheet. While Gomez did collect a point last night, and Plekanec an assist in the previous game, they have not been the top forwards on the Habs of late. That distinction goes to the third and fourth lines, who have been more engaged on the forecheck, and have dictated the pace early in recent games.
Next week’s games will be of the utmost importance for “Les Glorieux”. With games versus the Boston Bruins, St. Louis Blues and Pittsburgh Penguins, it is necessary for our upper-level players to kick it into another gear, and help support the grinder of the team, who have maintained the Canadiens’ hold on sixth place in the Eastern Conference standings.