“Nobody’s looking for 9-8. I think most people would love to see 4-3” – Ray Ferraro on Menick in the Afternoon TSN 690 about three hours before the game.
Now That’s Entertainment!
- It’s been awhile since we’ve seen so many happy Habs. I don’t think I’ve seen that many smiles at the Bell Centre since an 18 minute version of Powderfinger by Neil Young & Crazy Horse.
- Alex Galchenyuk can put an exclamation point on his break out season by hitting the 30 goal mark. But imagine what his goal total might be if he had received first line minutes earlier in the season.
- The veterans up front, led by captain Max Pacioretty plus the second line of Tomas Plekanec, Torrey Mitchell and Lars Eller were more involved. A lot more.
- Alexei Emelin played nearly 29:00. There are some positives down the stretch.
- He picked up two assists and was named the third star but I still don’t know who Joel Hanley is.
- Stefan Matteau hit somebody. But he also had a scoring opportunity alone in front of John Gibson after a great set up by Philip Daneault and never got a shot away. I can’t remember a less impressive looking player in the Canadiens line up.
- Mike Condon battled back to make some big saves, especially a game saver on Jamie McGinn, but he’s going to have to show a dramatic improvement to reclaim the backup role next fall. Lateral movement, 5-hole and especially rebound control issues are not easily fixable at the NHL level. But he does possess the kind of temperament you like to see in a goaltender.
- Meanwhile, did you know that Ben Scrivens’ 5 on 5 save percentage is nearly .930?
- Sergio Momesso wants to see a 2016-17 4th line of Mike McCarron, Lucas Lessio and Mike Brown. He might just get it.
- McCarron answered Josh Manson’s challenge after delivering a heavy hit behind the Anameim net on Manson’s defense mate Hampus Lindholm. I’m not sure McCarron would have fared as well against Manson’s dad Dave. And Dave Manson is 49 years old.
- I’ve already said my piece on Mike Brown. Would be shocked at this point if he’s not offered a cheap one year deal. But one thing is certain no matter what happens next season. Mike Brown has cemented his place in Montreal Canadiens history – as their best Jewish player since
Mathieu SchneiderJeff Halpern.