Habs 3, Rangers 0: Bring out the brooms

Habs sweep the season series with the Rangers each by scoring 3 goals and only giving up 1. But what makes this win more sweet? The Bruins lost to the Flyers earlier in the day, widening that gap between them and the Habs by a bit.

Meanwhile this is the 2nd time in a row the Rangers fell 3-0. Same results in Ottawa just this past Thursday. Torts, no goals for you!

You know it's bad when...
- Sean Avery is advocating your imminent firing and calling you a clown. Hey he'll do you a solid and create a nice ad campaign over it.
- All the morons who frothed out loud that Budaj should start this game despite Price having a now running quadruple shutout streak on the Rangers at the Bell Centre: BACK IN YOUR CAVES.
- And despite the score, and the fact the Rangers suck, it's not like they didn't have grade A chances. Habs enjoy leaving the slot wide open for milk and cookies. May as well paint the ice with a "Come in we're OPEN" sign.
- Ryder opening the scoring, marking him down for the game winning goal. Last Ranger's game Cole had the game winner. Feels like the Universe is happy now.
- My brother: Ryder skating is what Hal Gill would be if he were a forward.
- Nathan Beaulieu paired with Frankie Bouillon gives you the Honey Boo Boo pair?
- First shift, gets a nice shot on goal too. He looks like Mike Green but less faily.
- There is truth to that notion that a player looks better and does better in the NHL than in the AHL. For one, players know what their doing and aren't usually paired with a spot-goon. There's more control and less garbage in the NHL too. (Which is also why Leblanc did better in the NHL with Eller/AK46 than what's going on in Hamilton on a line with a goon and a career ECHLer).
- Though the penalty kill ended perfect, one does not want to see Marian Gaborik cut in on a partial breakaway...
- But that's ok. Pleky and PK blew down the ice on a two-on-one for the 2nd goal. You will know this, and you will fear it!
- PK adds 3 more assists to his tally. Was a man possessed on the powerplay when Derpface Nash ran Price.
- My brother: Rangers are losing. Watch Nash attempt to injure someone because superstars don't get suspended. (He ran Price twice).
- The Tsawwassen Terror's 11th goal of the year was just so perfect. Never quit, aim high kids. And I'm talking top shelf.
- My brother: They're just backing up on that Ranger crossing over the blue line! Oh, it's just Richards. Never mind.
- Prust comes back from separating his shoulder, blocks a shot in the 3rd to help preserve the shutout. Walks it off.
- Emelin checked RDS off the air.
- PK did that Joel thingy on his 2nd star skate.

So Torts? Were you entertained enough?

Habs 6, Bruins 5 (SO): STONES

HUGE FUCKING STONES.

After shitting the bed in the 2nd period and blowing the patented 2-goal lead because defense decided it was all cool to just not move/play/exist, Therrien dusted off his paint peeler, replaced Price with Budaj to kick the rest of the boys' asses and BOOM. It was like a replay of that 5-0 come back game against the Rangers. It even had an ALMOST hat trick by Ryder.

Oh and Chara bounced the puck into his own net off a Markov shot with 8 seconds left. No cartwheels required.

Price could have legally sued the team for abandonment though.
- Price still ended the night with a better save percentage than Rask.
- PK getting ignored for Norris nods because people obviously pay too much attention to the usual trio of fancy names. C'mon, Karlsson won it without even playing defence!
- By the way, PK ended +3 while Markov ended -3. And played 30 minutes.
- Back to backs are brutal. Oh that's right. My tired team took your rested team to a shootout. Next excuse.

Spin that wheel!

- Maybe next time the media will hype this as a bloodbath statement game where the Bruins will send a message to everyone. Oh wait.
- Just like that part where apparently Galchenyuk was supposed to be in the pressbox for this game for protection or some such rot, he helped set up PK's goal through absolute will and a determination unmatched by MOST of his teammates.
- I had no clue Pacioretty was playing though. Seriously, if Eller gets the short end of the stick for not being "intense" enough, someone needs to kick Patch in the ass.
- Yup, that was David "I got 1-punch KO'd by Benoit Pouliot" Krejci trying to pick a fight with Gionta. And Nathan "One punch to my head will probably mean 6 months in a dark room" Horton trying to pick a fight with Subban, who just laughed in his face.
- We blow leads. They blow leads. All that matters to me is the Habs proved they can match the Pens and the Bruins, and the media still won't give them credit. Or will make up some excuse. Or pull up some fact.
- The "Iron Curtain" was more the "Chiffon Curtain". Horrible game by Emelin and Markov.
- Bruins had as many shots in the 2nd as some teams put up all game...
- My god that penalty kill in the 2nd was really just Price VS the Bruins. You ain't helping anything standing around with your stick around your waist guys. Halpern may as well have just lied down on the ground too.
- Similarly, leaving a Bruin all alone in front to not only have one attempt but TWO? And all those odd-man rushes...
- I can totally live with Ryder if all he does is score on Boston.
- Oh to watch Chara throw a fit like an 8-year-old at the local Walmart. You speared Armstrong in the balls. And THAT didn't even get called.
- Bruins fans bitching about the DOG penalty, may I present you Roman Hamrlik who did that at least once a month. In the exact same manner (tipping the puck out). It's a penalty. Deal with it with your supposed #1 penalty kill in the league.
- Budaj was a rock in the shootout. He must have sprayed himself with Enroth's Old Spice Hawkridge.
- The guy with the biggest stones on this team is the smallest kid on the ice. Gallagher for life!

No quit. No surrender. Well, after they get yelled at or whatever. Therrien said he'd keep the game on DVD, but would skip the 2nd. By the way Bruins, you just got trolled by Pittsburgh over Iginla.

RASK RAGE!

(Thanks @TPBAdam for the gif)

Habs 0, Pens 1: 5 millimeters

See that box?

In there holds all the offense from the Habs.

The lines have gone dry and the stubborn coach will probably wait another 10 games before he moves Gallagher onto Eller's line with Galchenyuk, and remove the Armstrong fifth wheel from there down to the 4th line. And  yes, time to split up Pacioretty and Desharnais.

Meanwhile Price did all he could and Jeff Halpern really was a great waiver pick up. One bad linechange and Crosby got 5 millimeters that counted while Ryder rang a symphony of posts. And no, Fleury/Vokoun stole nothing tonight. The bombardment of weaksauce shots were hardly dangerous. The broadside of the barn was more than safe.

By the way, Gionta didn't even touch Fleury. He didn't even touch Kennedy for that matter. So shut your fucking mouth and go blame your own player Cooke, you fucking moron.

However, I throw caution to the Penguins. You're peaking early. No guarantee you'll continue winning like this in the playoffs. I'd rather the Habs take their slump now then in May.

Newsflash: Guy Boucher Fired!

You can't fire me! I'm a Bond Villain!

News broke while I was either doodling in my sketchbook late last night or zonked out because the doodling kicked my insomnia to the curb, but either way, after basically leaving the first period down 4-0 to the Bingo Sens Starring Daniel Alfredsson I just knew Guy Boucher was going to be fired.

Ok, truth be told we all though it was after that Toronto game. Or maybe that other game the week before that one. Y'know, the one. No the other one. Maybe it's that one? Nope I was pretty sure it was THAT one THERE.

But you get the point right.

Derp. Derp Derp.

(Too be fair, that was a shit sequence by the refs. A dive, no call on icing, and a follow through high stick)

Then Bob Mckenzie dropped this Tweet. "Key vet TB players were shutting down/tuning out. Yzerman much rather would've liked to assess at season's end, but problem was snowballing."

Yes, snowballing. More like Sisyphus attempting to roll a boulder up a hill only to watch it roll all the way back down. Then repeating the attempt to roll back up with the same end results. Those veterans sure like to tune out their coaches in Tampa eh? But I wonder why? I mean they have Stamkos! And...Stamkos.

Let's play some Tampa Bay Lightning trivia to understand why Guy Boucher was inevitably hoisted upon the team's petard!

With the retirement of the last "great" old goalie they managed to bank a season on, the Lightning were in search of a younger starter. Who did they pick?
a) Mike Smith.
b) Jonathan Bernier.
c) Anders Lindbäck.
d) A draft pick stuck in Russia for probably another year.
If you answered "c", you get the joy of listening to Pierre McGuire tell you the story of how Lindback and Jacob Markström were just too big to fit in their one Swedish town. Again.

Sami Salo is:
a) One shot away from another 4-6 weeks/months on the injured reserve.
b) Not a Canuck?
c) Old.
d) All of the above.
If you answered "d", you get a giant cardboard cutout of Victor Hedman's face.

What part did Vincent Lecavalier injure this month?

a) Head.

b) Shoulder.

c) Wrist.

d) Broken foot.

If you picked "broken foot", you get a triple low five!

What is "Mattias Ohlund"?
a) Injured knee.
b) Having knee surgeries.
c) Out indefinitely.

d) All of the above.

Indeed "d" is the winner! You get his locker room nameplate, because I'm petty sure he's not going to need it.

Who are the Lightning currently losing to?

a) Winnipeg Jets.

b) Washington Capitals.

c) Binghamton Senators.

d) Florida Gulf Coast.

Indeed it's their divisional rivals, the Winnipeg Jets. You win the tantrum Pierre McGuire threw when the Habs fired Jacques Martin the morning of a game (to not even a divisional rival), which I'm sure he'll repeat for his friend Steve Y. Right? Right.

Y'all gonna plotz when they hire Guy Carbonneau. Because the Bond Villain lookalike coach didn't work, so let's try the Bond lookalike!

DUN DUN DUN!

BREAKING NEWS! 

The Lightning have hired their AHL coach, Jon Cooper. So basically they replaced Guy Boucher with...slightly more flexible Guy Boucher. Because if the first hot rising star coach didn't work, try the second.

Habs 1, Buffaslugs 2: Meh

Fucking hell, Habs.

Game in a nutsell: Habs shoot the puck, it bobbles off Miller to the slot behind another Hab standing with a wide open empty. Rinse, repeate. Even Pierre Houde was getting bored repeating himself.

Or they were holding on to the puck way too long, giving the Sabres ample time to set up and block.

CBC thinks if the Sabres continue their run, they'll make the playoffs. Sure. If everyone ahead of them completely loses all their games... Same thing as last year. There's a reason why I have a tag that reads how the Sabres are victoriously happy with another 11th spot finish.

I guess the only respectable things they did tonight was not get shutout, not let fucktard Steve Ott score, and not give up the empty net.

Meanwhile...
JEFF HALPERN WAS PICKED UP ON WAIVERS. Free player! Just in time for Passover. If he can help out on key faceoffs and the penalty kill, DAYENU!

Habs 5, Islanders 2: The pattern

This is what happens when you skate into Brad Boyes' ass.

This team's formula is probably first period (pile it on) -  second period (take a break) + third period (world beaters) = success! That or they're just bored and want to challenge themselves by fucking themselves over. I don't care where they are in the standings. If they can blow this game and only manage 2 powerplay goals on Poulin they deserve an F.

But hey, let's ignore all the bad stuff and praise that third period right?

Hey Islanders?
- Move already.
- So sick of radio hosts holding up Price's stats in Long Island. Did it ever occur to you just how SHIT the team plays there as a whole? He was great tonight and they could have easily lost the game anyway. Mostly because it's like there's no defence when they come here...
- Islanders repeatedly came screaming down the ice 3 guys wide and the Habs did nothing to counter it.
- I was waiting for them to pull out the Flying V.
- But hey, at least the penalty kill was spot on tonight.
- Or at least Price was on that second period kill...
- I will not survive an extra year of Frankie Bou backing up instead of closing the gap between himself and say John Tavares.
- Every time Matt Carkner takes a blatant penalty he turns around and bitches to the ref about it.
- PK Subban: Two goals bitches~! Now up to 9 with 22 points in 24 games. Maybe you should work on THAT contract instead of Frankie Bou...
- Yes Drew Doughty finally scored a goal.
- Hey Desharnais, it's amazing what happens once you extract your head from your arse eh?
- Gionta has somehow managed to quietly collect 10 goals on the year.
- If I could, I'd have a team of Ellers and Gallaghers.
- Good job putting the puck in your own net, Islanders. Gally thanks you.
- With 5 minutes left, the Islanders started diving up and down the ice. Of course the dive they called was a dumb one.
- Thumbs up to taking a penalty with 3 minutes left.

In the end, I don't know whether to applaud or line you all up and slap you.

Habs 2, Sabres 3 (OT): I am in NO mood to take this right now

We're having a shit-ton of snow right now, which is WONDERFUL. I'm serious, I'm happy. I love snow. What I hate though? I have a dog in one arm ('cause the German Shepherd was in the parking lot and Toaster flips out when he sees her) and I'm getting my bags out of the car with my other, and then I close my door and POOF my car keys disappeared. (I had already locked the doors). I pushed the snow out of the way all over, I turned my car inside out, I dumped all my bags contents on the floor, I checked everywhere: Nothing. Thankfully living near my parents who have a spare key has it's perks, but holy shit my day just went from a pretty meh of a good-ish day to FUCK YOU UNIVERSE DIE EVERYONE. And Toaster wouldn't shut up until he finally realized how pissed off I was and I didn't need him barking in my face to throw his fucking ball.

And of course the Habs are playing like they're still guzzling all the Guinness left over from the St. Patrick's Day festivities and losing to the Sabres 2-0 and looking like they couldn't give two shits of a damn.

With the loss of my keys I'm in no mood to recap this shit fully. So, Habs missed FORTY SEVEN times. Steve Ott is fuckhead and someone should have punched him on his game winner in OT when he fell on Price right after. Someone should have punched Markov and told him HE DIDN'T NEED TO PLAY THE WHOLE PK IN OT, especially with the effort of a wet noodle. Gallagher is the real MVP. Lars Eller should be cloned so he could play all game. Colby Armstrong has enough games left to get 20 goals. Accountability apparently doesn't apply to Desharnais and I'm already pissed off with that contract if he's going to be lazy defensively and spread that laziness to Pacioretty. And what a bullshit phantom penalty call on PK, especially after not calling blatant shit like when Eller dragged someone down the length of the ice like he's a fucking sled.

Good thing I have chocolate, or this news that Bouillon's agent has spoken to Bergevin about extending his contract an extra year that just showed up on my timeline would have made me punch walls...

Missed 47 times.

Jhonas Enroth must have sprayed himself with Old Spice Hawkridge.

Habs just lucky the Jets beat the Bruins in regulation. Habs still first in the Northeast. Yay lose point.

PS. I now found the keys buried in the ice in the parking lot. But then Bergevin extended Cube's contract. WHY? Couldn't wait til fucking Summer and see if maybe someone else out there was available? Unless you trade him for Hal Gill to fix the shit penalty kill...

Habs 2, Devils 1: The answer

And 42 is Tinordi.

Welcome to the NHL, Jarred Tin Man Tinordi.

The delicious irony of our highly touted defensive defenceman getting on the score sheet with a heads up assist on the game winning goal by intercepting a clear and getting the puck on net where Plekanec tipped it in.

Ended the night with the 1 assist, a +2, and a few seconds shy of 15 minutes. Also stood up for the Captain when Clarkson decided to slash him after the whistle. His gigantic father must be proud!

Exit New Jersey ASAP
- Felt like the last 5 minutes took an hour.
- I don't put much stock in the Devils playing in Philly last night to a shootout. It's practically next door.
- Only took Chris Lee the 2nd period to be Chris Lee. Still, not as bad as Tim Peel.
- CBC's Hot Air Stove claims these reality show things are the reason why a bunch of teams are doing badly (New York, Philly, Washington, Edmonton). Guess it's not bothering the Habs...considering they always have cameras in their faces.
- HOLY FUCKING SHIT ARMSTRONG SCORED A GOAL.
- Then proceeded to freak out with the puck the rest of the game.
- And parked in front of Hedberg? Mike Blunden, who's flight was cancelled out of Newfoundland yesterday and only got in close to lunch time this morning.
- Yo Habs. The diamond formation you're using on the penalty kill isn't working. And I'm waiting for you to notice this....
- And waiting...
- Guess I shouldn't hold my breath on that considering it took a fucking injury to Diaz to get PK the icetime he very much deserves...
- Who, by the way, was amazing tonight.
- That "Hey YOU SUCK" chant is bush league, Devils fans.
- Also I thought everyone agreed to ban that pedo's song from arenas.
- Lars Eller was also amazing. I don't know but every time someone says "I want to see more from him" HOW MUCH FUCKING MORE?
- Lost in all this, yea he hasn't gotten a point in a while but Galchenyuk's defensive abilities are crazy for a 19 year old who missed all of last year.
- He even dumped people out of Price's crease.
- So every time Pleky scores, half the fan base salivates at the thought of trading him? Fuck you. Pleky for life!
- Mark Tinordi is a giant giant man. I feel bad for the person sitting behind him.
- Still convinced Price can't steal a game? That was 18 saves in the 3rd period alone. You're welcome.
- By the way Habs are 2-0-0 on the Devils this year.

So, Tinordi eh... Can we keep him?

Markov interview bomb for the win.

Habs 4, Sens 3 (SO): Slumber party

Thanks for coming, Sens. Next time bring milk and cookies, and your own pillow.

They're the New Devils. Snoozerrific, and taking the game to OT/SO. (Most likely a shootout, because they'll just bank on Silvferberg to score every time and pray their goalie stops all).

And their boring plan almost worked too.
 - It's funny how when Price makes all these big key stops, no one remembers those. Nor the pylons in front of him.
- And when Markov opted to pass on an empty net instead of most likely scorring, then offered Wiercioch tea as he just gave up the zone... I don't care if Wiercioch is an AHLer. He's got a heavy shot. He's a hockey player. WHAT THE FUCK ARE YOU DOING BACKING UP ON HIM.
- But seriously. The "what have you done for me lately" shouldn't go by the fucking second.
- The guys have to pressure the puck carrier more and not allow a fucking passing clinic go on in their own zone if they want to continue being the best.
- Next fat coach who bitches about "diving" when his fucking player has his stick so far down a Habs pants that it's fucking DIRTY, I say throw a puck at him.
- And what the hell is wrong with you? Your fucking player crosschecks then hooks DD on the fucking NECK. Why don't you tell your players to stop it or bench them you whiny walrus?
- Also Markov's face is not a puck. Stop high sticking him.
- Eller: Harlem Globetrotter.
- You got Larsed.
- Euro Staal.
- Don't call him Larry.
- Hey, PK! You're underpaid.
- And who told you the Habs will be paying him later if they didn't pay him earlier? This girl. Better start this summer, Bergevin.
- Habs scored 17 power plays goals this year. PK was involved in 16 of them.
- By the way, Drew Doughty has 0 goals.
- Still laughing at how Gallagher snuck in and stole Pacioretty's goal. That's revenge for the rookie dinner bill.
- I thought for sure Alfredsson would end the game in the shootout. Thankfully, no. He scored his obligatory goal.
- Silfverberg, on the other hand, well that's all he does. I think 80% of his goals are breakaways/shootouts.
- Galchenyuk asked Budaj if Lehner was the same goalie he went up against in Ottawa. Nope, this one is shorter. Only 6'3.
- Thank god you guys realized to shoot high on him.
- Eller pretty much mirrored Galchy's goal.
- GO HOME, TURRIS.
- "It sucks. I'm biting like it's awesome." Lehner on his shootout problems.

Habs are first in the East, and first in the East to reach 40 points. Take a bow, boys!

On a more serious note, Blake Geoffrion announced he's considering retirement because he feels there's no significant improvement to his condition. I'm so sad about this news! I'll never forget the noise of the hit. However I am glad a hockey player has put his priority on his life and his health over a game. A game that has already claimed a member of his family...

Good luck, BamBam.

Habs 5, Panthers 1+1: We like Florida

Woah woah tabernac. 

No contest.

Florida sweep.
- Watching how the Habs started the game, didn't look like they played last night. Then again, the travel from Tampa to Sunrise isn't much. So long as you stay on the road.
- Ryan White draws a penalty by taking a page out of what Steve Ott did to him. Except Ryan White wasn't being a dick and didn't deserve to get attacked by a Yonkman for a clean hit.
- DD practicing his golf swing on Markstrom. Hole in one.
- Markstrom probably having cold sweat flashbacks of his days in Rochester when the Americans were the farm team for the Panthers, and the Bulldogs typically ate him alive.
- Remind me again why Hoobadoo should get the Calder, RDS? Whobadoo?
- I'm just wondering but does that Calder trophy always go to a high-ish scoring rookie on a shit last place team or is it the "We're Sorry You Play For Edmonton" trophy?
- Ryder went from playmaker to tip-in-point-shot-dude. Next he'll throw in some wristers. Moving up.
- That big save on Armstrong wasn't as exciting as it the play-by-play guys made it.
- Captain takes an elbow in the face, rubs it off on the bench, replies with a goal soon after. Terrible Florida defence.
- You know, I think Price's cousin Keaton Ellerby is the happiest Panther ever because they traded him to the Kings.
- Frankie Bou gets paid by the icing.
- Hey he scored a goal!
- And another, for the Panthers. This time he actually shot it behind Budaj instead of just a bad lazy tip.
- Emelin couldn't stop laughing.
- PK Subban has 18 points in 20 games. Tied for 3rd in the League, with less games. Probably won't get talked about for the Norris because he actually plays defence. Oh and he's PK Subban. HATERS.
- OK Panthers, we spot you a goal and a half. Now go home.
- Ryder's 2nd of the game brought to you by PK Subban's wrister from the point. Hey, he doesn't just bomb them. His wrister is just as deadly.
- I hear Mathieu Darche is attempting to inject some respect and reasonable commentary by, you know, actually knowing the Habs on L'Antichambre. Good luck, but you might want to take a job with the NHLPA. You're too intelligent for those mouthbreathers.

Are you sure you want to join the Northeast, Panthers...?

Habs 4, Bolts 3: Or How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Habs

Habs 2nd periods.

Thinking about skipping those 2nd periods from now on, Habs. I mean, if you guys do it, then why shouldn't I?

Good teams find a way to win. Good Habs teams find a way to piss off their fanbase while looking like a bunch of pylons for a whole period then come back to win it in the 3rd. Whatever works. Just as long as we got a steady supply of booze and things to throw at the TV set.

Hope you enjoyed that 1st place spot for those 5 minutes, Bruins.

Meanwhile, after the Habs powered back in the 3rd, the Lightning got their first shot on Price with about 1:40 left. Probably why Boucher stormed off after the final buzzer.

Are you really really really sure you want to join the Northeast guys?

Grrraaaaaaaah!

Scoring by committee. Pleky, Gionta, Emelin and another winner by Gallagher. Michael Ryder is apparently now a playmaker. And most of that 3rd was without Prust, who looked like he aggravated something whatever was already bothering him. Though it might be a good week for Prust to take off with only tomorrow, Wednesday and then Saturday with games. Ice bag that shoulder, Prusty. You deserve a break.

Welcome to the NHL, Pateryn. I'm sorry you have to play with Bouillon...

Habs 4, Whalercanes 2: Eat crow

The trolls have slunk back under their bridges. The slight aberration in Price's play fixed by a second period of 21 shots, including a penalty shot by a fairly good player of the Staal variety. A menu of crow shall be served shortly.

And those asking why Price hasn't stolen any games for them? Voila.

Clearly it was my fault...
- Seriously. Every time I take my dog for a walk something happens. Spent the whole 2nd walking the dog.
- I wondered if they all caught an intestinal infection in the 2nd period.
- For once, I'd like it if Therrien used his damn time out when the team goes off the rails instead of waiting for his damn icing. (Hint: they ice the puck a lot...how do you  know which to call it on)?
- The bonus of 42 saves is it re-balances Price's save percentage.
- Brandon Prust also played out of his mind.
- He and Eller ended with a goal and two assists, while Galchenyuk pitched in for some solid assistance. And I'm sure Pierre McGuire is thinking up a way to backtrack on his assessment of Eller.
- Don't hold your breath on that, by the way.
- Don't hold your breath in second periods with the Habs either.
- But Eller's goal was fantastic. He just came out of nowhere, backdoor. Usually WE are the victims of those.
- Josh Gorges, POWER FORWARD. No really.
- Did you see Emelin's spin-o-rama on the first goal?
- Shut up, Eric Staal.
- You too, Skinner.
- You know, considering Marc Staal's eye ate a puck the other night, you'd think the Staals would stop the macho crap and put on visors? Still visor-less.
- Then again, I bet Pronger would still growl something about cold dead hands and visors or whatever. Dude can't even play with his kids without some light or noise problems affecting him.
- PK Subban has 6 goals and 15 points in 18 games, including tonight's BOMB on the powerplay. And apparently Gaston Therrien thinks he should do more offensively. Also played 27 minutes.
- Could stop turning the puck over in front of your net, please? Especially while on a power play.
- I wish everyone would hound the puck the way Gallagher does. Pin him to the boards, he'll still go through you for the puck.
- The Hurricanes stole the HONK!HONK!HONK! LET'S GO CANES! from the Caps.
- I feel really bad for Weber. He finally gets to play, his play is rather odorous to say the least (that penalty shot call was weaaaaaaaaaaaaaak though), and then ends up injured. Gee I wonde why this happened? Maybe because he's been siting forever!
- Ryder was benched in the third. This is why they won. (Well, it helped).

42 saves, bitches. The answer to life, the universe, and everything.

Except a game star, apparently.

Habs 3, Islanders 6: Heads directly up your asses

You know all those plays that would have ended Sunday's game in favour of the Bruins had they managed to connect a few tap-in passes and picked the cornersor didn't ring off the symphony of posts? Well, the Islanders gave the Habs ample tape footage to illustrate this.

Turnovers, own goals, lost coverage...completely discombobulated chaotic defensive zone. It's like a pack of headless chickens running amok around their own net. And the cherry on top? DOUBLE screening their goalie while completely ignoring the man opened to the left waiting for them to perfectly block the shot to his stick. They got lucky against the Bruins, their luck ran out against the Islanders.

Puffing your chest out and saying "don't worry be happy we're still in first" only goes so far. If Therrien doesn't fix this sloppy play in their own zone they'll have to rely completely on luck and a difficult to perform powerplay. (Sure PK got that goal and all, but did you see what they did leading up to it? Putrid).

Can someone please explain to me how they manage so easily to screen and tip shots by their own goalie but seem absolutely incapable of doing it on the other end? Can you stop playing goalie and let the goalie play goalie? Case in point, after a terrible tip shot off Pacioretty's stick where Price makes the save on the changed trajectory, someone digs the puck out of the corner for Pacioretty to get out except he's stickless 'cause it broke, so the puck goes back to the point for a shot on net that's going right to Price's gut when....! Bouillon can't handle the guy heading for the net, and in his infinite wisdom of panic throws his stick out and perfectly tips the shot over Price into the net. Thanks for coming, Cube. Gold star.

By the way, Ryder? You suck. Go back to Dallas.

Of course we can explain what happened today in one simple term: SCOTT GOMEZ SCORE A GOAL. This, right after Mike Milbury defended the honour of the Montreal Canadiens to the troglodytes on Boston radio. Yes, World. You have officially tipped your axis.

Oh yea. Happy 20,000th goal Habs. I'm sure Gionta gives a damn about it now that he's in the history books without two points.

Habs 4, Bruins 3: Defeat the horde!

Look! Bruins!

Feels like the Habs walked into Boston and defeated an evil horde of orcs. Oh wait. They did.

Now, a win 24 hours after GoalFest '13 was not without it's flaws. I mean there must have been a symphony of 20 posts on the night on both ends. And I swear Budaj makes 90% of his saves with his eyes clothes while deep in prayer. Oh and that Kaberle-Bouillon pairing does not instill confidence. (Don't bring up Kaberle's +6 please, he hasn't played enough). And might I add that Galchenyuk on the fourth line does not protect him nor does it provide us with anything useful. (Did Therrien turn into Lindy Ruff overnight)? But hey, they've proved to be a resilient bunch capable of fighting through Therrien's weird over-coaching and strange decisions...

And sending Chara to the loony bin for 2, 5 and a 10 helps.

However, I can't say which team dominated the game because neither did. Habs came out on top without giving free points in OT though. And jockeyed to take that first spot back.

Meanwhile, TD Garden is currently busy cleaning up the hay.

Habs 6, Pens 7 (OT): Go home, Habs. You're drunk.

The above photograph is a fine example of either team's zone from the blue line and in. Defence and goaltending were optional tonight. I guess the only bright side is it didn't go 11-10 like I thought it would?

I managed to catch the biggest spin doctor on the game tonight in Glenn Healy claiming how the Pens dodged a bullet in first dressing Vokoun but winning the game, despite giving up 6 goals. Which is what he gave up last time he played. So I'm guessing the Penguins are the old Capitals now.

Truth is if the fucking Habs gave a fuck in defending tonight, and NOT STANDING AROUND LETTING PENGUINS SKATE FREE UP THE FUCKING SLOT OR HAVING FREE REIGN BEHIND THE NET WHILE NOT IGNORING THE GUY WAITING FOR THE TAP IN OUT FRONT...I dunno maybe they would be the 7 instead of the 6.

Or maybe the fatigue is kicking in already. Considering Price is taking so many optionals off...

But the battle back was something to be proud of. Of course, if that wasn't Vokoun, there probably wouldn't be any battle back...

Either way, happy 300th game to Brandon Prust, who opened the goal fest. And happy welcome back to clutch goal-land PK, who scored to tie the game with 0.7 seconds left in the second period.

It's a small consolation prize they actually managed to get a point out of that. Too bad. Bring some defence next time. Oh that would be tomorrow.