... as for last night--the biggest thing that needs to be said: this game was HUGE. coming back from two 2-goal deficits and then winning on a beauty of a shot from Cammy showed the world just how much grit the Habs have. Sure, we're .500 now, and won our third straight, but those are only numbers. Numbers do count, but what lies underneath is what's more important. The fact that we didn't back down, that this team came back fighting; it's EXACTLY what they needed. Blow-outs like the one Thursday against the Isles are usually few and far between for the Habs, and they're nice confidence boosters. But this team is one that lurks in the basement of the NHL standings. Duly noted--they shouldn't be taken for granted--it's not two easy points in the bank. However, a 4-goal margin isn't something to go crazy over either. However, the Rangers, who came into this game 7-2-1, weren't a team to take lightly. They are a force to be reckoned with. The fact that our boys were able to come back against them is something that will hopefully have inspired them and given them positive drive to take into the next game.
For all you fans that were groaning about Gainey, about Martin's style of coaching, his methodology... and who wanted to see heads roll after our dismal road-trip in the east... i'll say it time and again--> it was ONLY A MATTER OF TIME. New coach, new rules, and a heck of a lot of new players. A system doesn't just fall into place automatically. We didn't lose games in a blow-out fashion (minus the Vancouver whooping). Instead, they were usually within one goal, that could've gone either way. And the habs were still in the game the whole time. Miss-calculated passing, mis-judged positioning... all little tweaks that had to be fixed as players were still getting to know each other.
Now, our big line is finally clicking. Almost more important, however, is that our other lines are being productive as well. Take Thursday night--5 goals from 5 different people. Last night, D'Ago got his first goal of the season off a nice pass from Lapierre... Bergeron is a beast on the PP--maybe not Markov but he's definitely the offensive d-man the habs needed to rekindle their flame on the man advantage. We've got 4 lines rolling that can be a threat, even the checking line!!! On D, there's still a LOT to work on and I'd like to see Gill move a little more. He seems to not be able to keep up with the speed of the game at this level. ah well, not everything can be perfect.
Things to work on:
1) clearing our zone--this has become a recurrent problem that leads to many turnovers (ie: the end of the third last night). Sometimes it seems as if our forwards are so charged to get on the offensive that they forget to support their D to get the puck out. TRANSITION PLAY MUST GET BETTER!
2) penetrating the O-zone-- this has improved, but i still feel as if most of the guys are still too static when the puck crosses the line. The dump-and-chase does work, but you guys have to at least be skating full out to benefit entirely from that play!! it would be nice to see a more coordinated effort and keep the puck in our possession.
Things that have improved:
1)Positioning on the offensive--all i have to say is: I LOVE PLEKS!!! this guy honestly has a vision of the game that rivals Kovy. (seriously). His setup for the habs goal was brilliant. Most guys would've gone for the cross ice pass, which was obviously impossible in this case, but pleks saw cammy and set him up for the tying goal. This would've been impossible had Hamrlik not crashed the net and Cammy had not been there to support. they created a 3-2 in perfect fashion.
2)The PP--yes, Bergeron was the addition the habs needed, but overall, play has improved within the 5-on-4. Cycling the puck quickly, precise passes, and instead of just blindly shooting the puck on net or going for the impossible sharp-angle-shot, our Boys seem to be settling into setting up the big plays. Goalies nowadays are so quick and precise that even shooting thru traffic can be tough. You've gotta get the goalie moving--most big goals go in during his transition from one side of the crease to the other.
Seriously Habs fans--this has been one HELLUVA ride for the start of the season. Losing one of our best men was rough. Losing those couple of games was a heartache, but seeing our team bounce back and find their groove is just PRICELESS. Metropolit coming back from injury and automatically getting into the game and onto the scoring sheet. Young guys stepping it up a notch and making key plays. Halak getting the recognition (finally) of being a good goalie. Comment on the latter: Halak hasn't been peppered with as many shots as Price was, so I'm not going to comment on who's better--but Halak is definitely playing the role of #1 right now.
GET EXCITED cuz this could be the start of something BIG.
To end this post--I'd like to recommend Gionta for captain. This guy comes out sprinting every night, and has displayed the kind of leadership on the ice that is necessary to keep this team rolling. Cammy should get the A.
NUFF SAID!!!! GO HABS GO!
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