A Winning Habit
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Canadiens Stay Alive with a Dominant Win in Game 4

By Lissa Albert

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May 7, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; Montreal Canadiens right wing Brandon Prust (8) is congratulated by teammates after he scored a goal against the Tampa Bay Lightning during the third period in game four of the second round of the 2015 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Amalie Arena. Montreal Canadiens defeated the Tampa Bay Lightning 6-2. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Luck? Or Skill?

The concept of “lucky bounces” and luck itself have been discussed at length in this series. Game 4 showed that – perhaps – luck had something to do with it.

But it was more a testament to the character of a team who was not ready to say goodbye to their season. A team whose capabilities have been straining at the seams to get out and finally did.

A team who, when the floodgates opened, won BIG.

Let’s note, as well, that even though Tampa Bay had won a couple of two-goal games this series, they played two games with only one goal scored in each, until either (double) overtime or a last-gasp buzzer beater decided their win. Both games could have gone either team’s way.

But these Habs who came to win, to stay alive, and to bring the series back home, meant business. They scored 6 goals. They didn’t take their foot off the gas. They never protected a two-goal, three-goal or 5-goal lead.

May 7, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; Montreal Canadiens left wing Max Pacioretty (67) is congratulated by center Torrey Mitchell (17) and defenseman P.K. Subban (76) after he scored a short handed goal during the first period against the Tampa Bay Lightning in game four of the second round of the 2015 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Amalie Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

No, they played as though it were their last game – and ensured that it was not.

They took control of this game and made their previously unbeaten opponents look shaky and fallible.

They owned this game and made two reputedly excellent goalies look very ordinary indeed.

And they reminded those watching that when challenged, truly challenged, the Tampa Bay Lightning looks very beatable.

Prior to the game, PK Subban was interviewed during the warmup. He said – in that confident manner he is so well known to exhibit:

Subban’s statement was prophetic. A fan base that had been close to depleted of hope and optimism just one night before has now exploded with “what ifs” and “this can happen” positivity.

A team that had not beaten this opponent for 8 straight games through 2014-15 was now victorious over them in a powerful blowout.

This win is the morale booster, the deep exhalation of relief, the “at last” accomplishment they needed. The proverbial monkey has not only been dislodged, it has been dispatched with in spectacular fashion.

Will this game turn things around? Staying realistic, I will say this is still a steep climb up.

But the playoffs are always about one game at a time. The Habs have turned their luck, or their determination, or their gameplay around, and have climbed up one step.

One game at a time – with the next one right at home, in a raucous, rocking Bell Centre, the familiarity of family and the support of a city right there cheering them on.

The City of Montreal is cheering on the Habs; City Hall showing the bleu-blanc-rouge in encouragement.

The odds are very much in favor of the home team for Game 5. Simply based on momentum, fan support, and familiarity.

And with this being the first Saturday night hockey game of these playoffs for the Habs?

Well, believing in magic and all its charms isn’t something we outgrow as kids.

We just change our wishes as we grow older.

No matter what – the pride of this fan base in the Montreal Canadiens is alive, thriving, and energy-inducing.

I’ve no doubt the players will feel all of it as they hop onto the ice Saturday night, and convert it into a crowd-pleasing win. They showed, in this incredible triumph, that they have everything they need to get it done.

One game at a time.

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