Montreal 4 - New York Islanders 1
November 21, 2007
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The Game
The Canadiens went into this game with a long history of sub-par play on the Island and the expectation that the Islanders would give them a rough game. Instead Steve Begin put the Habs up by a goal less than a minute into the opening period and things just got better from there.
Chris Higgins came in on a semi-break early in the second and, with the help of a defender’s stick, lofted a light shot over Rick DiPietro - Steve Begin put a beautiful wrist shot over the Islander goalie’s glove only a minute later. Thomas Plekanec managed a power play goal before the end of the second to put Montreal up 4-0.
The third period saw the Habs start shorthanded with a string of penalties following that. The Montreal penalty kill was on its game, but Mike Comrie did manage a goal on Huet after a very nice three-way passing play.
My Thoughts
Before I go hyping up the Canadiens and Huet in particular, it’s important to note that the Islanders simply looked sleepy tonight. Their passes and shots were just a touch off, Rick DiPietro let a soft goal or two in and they didn’t ever manage to take advantage of opportune dumps and odd-man rushes. To their credit, the Habs did capitalize on the New York mistakes, even managing a couple of goals while short-handed in the second period. Friday’s game in Buffalo is sure to be much more testing for Montreal. The first line of Koivu, Ryder and Higgins needs to get going!
What Went Right?
Bad play by the opposing team – ‘nuff said! Huet gets an honorable mention but don’t let the shot totals fool you – the Islanders had very few true scoring chances. A string of penalties in the third period gave the Habs and Huet in particular to really show their stuff, and a shutout would have been well earned. Chris Higgins, despite his goal being less then pretty, should get a shot of confidence and help from second-string players like Steve Begin (two goals tonight!) is always heartening.
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