Entering the Game
Going into this game, Montreal was coming off winning only three of their last 10 games. They lost three of them in shootouts, and four in regulation.
Even though the last game had shadows of last season’s Habs, they failed to push through. Going into Joe Louis Arena tonight, the most beneficent team was definitely the Stanley Cup Champs.
Only suffering two losses in 20 games, the Red Wings currently hold the best powerplay unit in the league, with the Habs trailing miles behind at the 23rd position.
The Canadiens have played very few good games so far in the 2008-09 season. And their opponents have not all challenged their abilities.
Playing against Detroit was the ultimate test. It's a team with all potential first-liners and the most touted defensive duo, comprised of Lidstrom and Rafalski. Along with the Canadiens’ lack in offense, we were in for quite a matchup.
As you may have all seen, the Bleu, Blanc, et Rouge turned the tables and came up with what I personally feel is the best 60 minutes effort so far this season.
Let’s do a breakdown of the game and see where we stand, and how one game can make a difference in our play.
Experimenting First
The first period was kind of used like a tryout for our team. They exploited the chances and actually played what looked like a well-coached scenario. The tight playing by both teams led to a scoreless beginning.
However, the Canadiens had to suffer the loss of Alex Tanguay due to an injury coming from a hard hit by Stuart. After completing that shift, the leading scorer unfortunately did not return to the bench.
Canadiens Turn Scoring Machine in Second
Going once (fourth line): After getting a sense of the type of plays by the Red Wings, the Canadiens used it to their advantage and scored three unanswered goals. The first was a dump-in from the back of the net to the front by Lapierre, which went off a Detroit player’s skate. This made it a 1-0 Montreal game!
Going twice (first line): After Hamrlik took a penalty for hooking, Gorges forced a rough play by Hossa, who annulled his team’s powerplay and gave a one-minute man advantage for the Canadiens.
Surprisingly enough, the Habs cashed on the opportunity and Plekanec scored his fifth goal of the season with a pass that came from Kovalev. It was now 2-0 Montreal!
Gone (second line): Higgins, who was on the second trio along with Koivu and Kovalev, scored a nice goal, which led from the captain’s set-up for his teammate. For his first goal since the hat trick against the Ottawa Senators, Higgins used the opportunity, and made it 3-0 Montreal!
Textbook Lead Protection in Third
The Red Wings were all over the ice during the third period, but to no avail. Carey Price came up big on many saves, particularly on Lidstrom.
Limiting themselves to a mere four shots on goal versus 16 by the champs, it was defensive hockey for the rest of the night. Although they were trying, the Wings weren't trying hard enough.
Fortunately, the white jerseys pounced first on the puck whenever they got a chance and dumped it deep into the offensive zone. Johan Franzen put an end to Price’s second shutout bid when he undressed Ryan O’Byrne to beat Price on what was a beautiful goal.
At the end of the night, the hole was too deep for a comeback and the Canadiens happily took the win. Their next game is against Ovechkin and the Washington Capitals.
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about 1 month ago
Great article!
As to O'Byrne letting Franzen go by, I think when Ryan will find that missing second and pivot he will never allow that happen. But I agree to say that he came back strong not letting the last game's mishap affect him. Also want to give credit to Carbonneau for letting O'Byrne play.
Keep it up!
about 1 month ago
Great read Harani. Good recap, easy-to-read and solid story.
It was a bit of a shocker to me since the Habs lost to the Islanders and then beat the Wings. But they deserved it 'cause they played well. Plus, Price is doing his part, so let's hope the defense and the secondary scoring can hold up if the primary scoring can't.
about 1 month ago
they lose to most teams and they win against the Wings! it seems they get more focused and concentrated on the game! it is so contradictory! lol
great read Harani, lets hope the momentum keeps on this time!
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