The Coach Thought This One Out
In another Martin-Boucher head to head encounter, the Canadiens’ head coach got the better of his rookie counterpart. While Boucher was using all of the little tricks he could, like getting a faceoff advantage by getting his centres to hook both the stick and inner leg on their Habs’ equivalent, Martin got his players to forecheck the Tampa defense hard, force turnovers and dictate the pace of the game. All this with a depleted lineup, and two first time players in Aaron Palushaj and Nigel Dawes. Not bad, Uncle Jack.
Pouliot to the Chicken Coup
Canadiens’ forward Benoit Pouliot, who while offensively gifted, had contributed nothing creatively to the team all year, had another of his helter-skelter games. He got a few good shots off, but he was still abysmal in the defensive zone, skated like he was disinterested and ultimately caused himself to be benched by taking a selfish double-minor in the third period. The penalties lead to the Lightning tying the game up, and jeopardized a hard fought effort by the Canadiens.
AK46 and Eller Still Going Strong
Andrei Kostitsyn, who is playing for a contract next season, had really been on a tear in the last two weeks, along with Lars Eller. While they both show great chemistry when playing together, last night they were separated, but didn’t miss a beat. The duo endured much warranted criticism earlier this season, but since the trade deal, they have arguably been the Canadiens’ two best forwards.
Max Of Steel
While Superman was almost invincible, the same can be said about injured Canadiens’ forward Max Pacioretty. It was reported yesterday, and confirmed by the organization, that Patches may be able to resume full contact drills in three to five weeks. For a guy who was obliterated by Zdeno Chara (with the help of a stachion), he’s shown no post-concussion symptoms. After bruising two ribs earlier this season, and taking one in the family jewels as well, can anything keep this kid down?
Et Cetera
The Canadiens travelled overnight to New York to take on the seventh place Rangers at Madison Square. Tomas Plekanec and Jeff Halpern remained in Montreal. It’s unclear whether Hal Gill will return to the lineup. Look for Alex Auld to make his 12th start of the season tonight.
Hall of Famer Dickie Moore was on Montreal radio for St. Patrick’s Day festivities. For a man his age, he can still talk up a storm.
Congratulations to Frank of the Rat Trick, for having his latest posting linked to Puck Daddy.
Check out Blue Line Station for News and Notes on the New York Rangers.
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