Reminds me of last Spring

 
Last night's game reminded me a lot of the style the canadiens played last year in the playoffs. Defensemen playing well in the slot, getting rid of rebounds fast and blocking shots, and counter attacking well and taking advantage of chances. Yes Atlanta had a lot of shots but the majority of them weren't dangerous ones, and when they were, Price was there with the big save. If the defence continue playing this way they will make it much easier for Price to make those famous miracles Halak made last spring.
        The habs dominated the special teams with a perfect Penalty kill, and scored once on the power play. And they would have maybe scored more if two of the six power plays wouldn’t have been shortened by the undisciplined habs players. I liked what I saw from Sopel on the PK and he is only going to get better as he gets used to his new teammates. Plekanec with 3 penalties is not a good thing; could it be we are seeing signs of fatigue from a player that has been used in every aspect of the game since the beginning of the season? I also liked the fact Coach Martin finally used Desharnais more often on the power play, for the first time since he was called up he finally had more ice time on the power play than Gomez, and all this on the road.
         I'd also like to point out the balanced ice time the coach gave the defensemen last night. All defensemen had between 15 and 23 minutes with Subban and the Wiz with the most and Mara and Sopel with the least. This will give a well deserved break to Hamrlik and Subban who were having to play way too much, considering the habs are going to need them in the playoffs, keeping some energy for the spring is always good.
        I'll put a little negative point here in the middle of my blog just because I have to point it out, a sniper like cammalleri should never miss open nets like the one he missed on the 4 on 3 in the last seconds of the second period. But I'll forgive him for that one, because he has played well since his return from injury.
       On the Canadiens first goal which was on the power play, Desharnais drives to the net with the puck, spots the wiz coming down the wing but misses his pass, but thankfully Kostitsyn was there to get it and make the pass to Wiz for the Goal. That is what I want to see from Gomez, drive to net when he comes into the offensive zone and players will follow him and then he could feed them, and not just lose the puck or dump it. I also liked the fact Pouliot came from the neutral zone to defend Desharnais that had been savagely hit from an Atlanta player behind the net. Pouliot is starting make a reputation for himself as a player that won't back down from anybody and will defend his teammates when they need it, and that I really like, continue the good work Ben !
     This morning the habs worked hard at practise and I am sure they will be more disciplined in Sunrise against the panthers. But for me the game of the week will be against the bolts which will be the real test to see if the habs are on the right path to the playoffs.
        So Saturday be prepared for a big and amazing game, and if you want to have an amazing time watching it, I suggest you go watch at the best place in Montreal to watch a habs game at 5301 St. Laurent, at the fabulous bar Chez Serge, where you come for the game and stay for the party!