Habs 2, Pens 5: Silver platter

One game, two points, best served cold.

Isn't that cute? Fleury did the Buffalo Stance after 20 saves and only really working for 10 minutes. Obviously the pose gets praise 'cause he did it. Imitation is the most sincerest form of flattery, but I thought he would be more than capable to get his own damn pose. The League needs more goalie posing! But originality is key. He should also send a thank you card to the Habs and a special extra thank you to Jaro Spacek for the 4 powerplay goals cushion. Brutal penalty kill, brutal penalties, brutal pylons and obviously fatigued. That's what happens when you're behind the play, reaching, and constantly defending...

But for 6 minutes and 30 seconds in the second period, there was a non-stop action sequence with back-and-forth hockey, odd-man rushes (mostly in Price's direction), and just a whole lot of FUN! The guys actually looked awake for the first time all game. I could see Jacques Martin's face flush as the sequence went on. Then, obviously, diarrhea: too many men on the ice.

The moment was dead.

Spacek was on the ice, again, killing a penalty with 10 seconds left.

Spacek, in the corner behind his net, attempts a crap clear TO THE FUCKING SLOT. Perfect pass to Jordan Staal for his first of the year. I swear I saw the #8 on that Habs sweater. The game died right there for the Habs. Jaro Spacek gets the Mike Komisarek Award for the night.

Coach gets the dunce cap because Jaro Spacek and his buddy Hamr were out there on the PK that gave up FOUR GOALS. They did not help, they made everything worse.

Benoit Pouliot went from yay to nay in the span of a day. Three stupid penalties that cost the team (and him a goal even if it was a weak call, you can't poke your stick towards players hands and expect otherwise). Seriously, is there a player more infuriating than Benoit Pouliot?

Lost in the kerfuffle, Mighty Mite David Desharnais scored his first NHL goal. I don't think I have ever seen a man so happy in my life. Nintendo Sixty Four territory. A perfect tip-in on a Subban shot. It was like I was watching the Bulldogs for a few minutes. The smallest man on the ice (yes, he's smaller than Gionta). His head is barely above the boards. His height is definitely listed "on skates". Buffalo Stance that one, Fleury.

Habs 2, Rangers 1: The Plan

I wonder if anyone in New York really remembers Alex Auld?

Anyway, Habs played a needlepoint paced patient game. I guess you call those "textbook road games". Probably a good idea since they're right now waiting to leave New York while a powerful Nor'easter dumps more snow on their heads. Gotta conserve the energy for the Penguins.

Quickies
- Stunndqvist gave us a gift in that Pouliot goal, and pretty much kicked in Spacek's goal but how many times have you seen a dominant shift like that lead to a goal or Pouliot actually shoot the puck instead of "dump and change"?
- Couldn't ask for anything more from Auld. Seriously, people, give this guy some credit already. He didn't steal anything, but when your backup is in nets the rest of the team has to lockdown. They did, and he's a perfectly capable backup. (Wouldn't bet the season on him, obviously).
- On binary day 31, Carey Price was announced to the All-Star Game roster.
- Poor Ryan McDonagh had to wipe the McGuire spittle off his helmet every shift.
- I discovered Canadien Express is the best way to watch Jacques Martin hockey. Too bad it's on an hour or so later. (Good for me coming home at 9:30).