Montreal Canadiens

Exorcising a demon

Finally, after years of futility, the Habs went into New Jersey and slayed a arch nemesis. The Canadiens recent record against New Jersey: 1-24-4. Brodeur’s career record against Montreal: 34 wins 12 losses and 5 ties. Included are 5 shutouts against the Habs and goals against of 1.77. Last nights victory cannot be underestimated. The Canadiens came from a 3-1 deficit in the third period to win against a upper echelon team that has dominated them dating back to 1993.

The Habs have been slowly evolving into a legitimate contender, and last nights victory has only accelerated the process. All the attributes of a first rate team were on display last night. Four lines working cohesively, all lines reflecting their greatest qualities. A energy line featuring two explosive wrecking balls in Begin and Kostopolous, centered by a savvy veteran in Smolinski. (I have been critical of Smolinski’s play, but last night he brought a gritty determination that had been lacking in his play with the team). The Plekanec line continue to stress and fray the opposition. The newly formed kid line of Latendresse,Lapierre and S.Kostitysn had their moments of effectiveness. Most importantly Koivu and Higgins displayed their attributes: speed which had been lacking in Koivu’s game, strong determination on the puck, and strong puck retrieval skills.

The transition game, a lost art of this team a year ago, was once again a telling difference in the Habs puck possession game. Hamrlik, in particulary examplified the quantam leap in improvement in this area. He pinched in at the appropriate times, initiated several rushes up ice and never got caught out of position defensively.

Psychologically, the 4-3 come from behind victory validates the direction of this team under Gainey’s stewardship. A strong mix of exciting young talent which continues to blossom (A Kostitsyn tape to tape pass on Smolinski’s goal, again provide an illustration to his on ice vision) mixed in with a veteran core that is playing with confidence. Thus far Gainey has resisted the critics demands for: a enforcer, a blockbuster trade to add a top tier center. Critics have questioned whether Huet is a legitimate number one goalie, and whether the team has enough goal scoring capability. Thus far, Gainey’s incrementalist approach, and his resolve to allow the team to grow organically from within seems to becoming more and more credible. The Habs have enough robust players (Begin,Kostopolous,Komisarek,Hamrlik etc) to negate the need for an enforcer. This years edition has enough players willing to venture into areas where a physical price will be paid to make things happen. On display last night were three potent goal scoring units that have placed the Habs 5th overall in the league in goal scoring. Once again Huet is among the leaders in save percentage. Even resident hockey analyst Pierre McGuire acknowledged recently that Huet is the real deal.

The one area that Gaieny has tried to upgrade the team externally, is through aquiring a top tier center. Recent attempted ufa signings for Briere,Smyth came up short. Koivu’s play this season for the most part points to a potential shortcoming down the middle. Nonetheless, Koivu’s play last night gave hope that his game is coming around, and the perceived weakness down the middle is not as critical to undermining the teams growth as a legitimate elite team in the league. Last night it was Koivu’s aggressive, tenacious play inthe third period which provide leadership, and was instrumental in the Habs come from behind win. More frequent displays of Koivu’s capabilites will make the Habs a ver formidable opponent, and may enable Gainey to make more conservative upgrades, ensuring the exisitng team chemistry is not disrupted.

The Habs passed a major test last night, to complete the final examination to becoming recognized as an elite team will come in March, when the Canadiens face Ottawa on three occasions. Success in those matches will certainly win over the “experts” that perceived the Habs as a non contender when the season started.