Game of the Year ... for now

posted by Mike Boone at 13h49 EST on Feb 19

Canadiens president Pierre Boivin brought a special guest to the winning room: Montreal Symphony Orchestra conductor Kent Nagano.

When the maaestro's small hand disappeared into Alex Kovalev's for the grip-and-grim photo op, Nagano saiud how much he'd enjoyed the game.

"You should come more often," Kovalev quipped.

This was the 1812 Overture, the Eroica Symphony and the Ride of the Valkyrie – all rolled into 37 minutes of insane, come-from-behind hockey.

"My ears are still ringing," said Mike Komisarek. The Bell Centre was that loud – and the rally that improbable. It left Komisarek at a loss for original words.

"I hate these clichés, guys," he said apologetically to the media scrum. But the game embodied every cliché in sports – especially the ones that pertain to never quitting.

"At a certain point," he said, "we had nothing to lose. Everyone was pulling in the same direction – going to battle, winning the battles and working hard ... Everyone went to war."

Josh Gorges said he sensed a comeback was possible when Michael Ryder scored hhis second goal to make it 5-2. Then, toward the end of the second period, Komisarek noticed the scoreboard read 5-3. It made him feel anything was possible.

"5-2 or 5-3, we get the next one we're right back in it."

Komisarek spoke of "being desperate and finding that urgency in our game." Kirk Muller, he said, had bucked the team up after the second period by stressing that there was nothing to lose.

As Bob Dylan sang, back when his hair was as full as Kent Nagano's, "when you ain't got nothin', you got nothin' to lose. You're invisible now, you got no secrets to conceal.

"How does it feel?"

On this night, pretty darn good.

"What a great feeling at the end of the game," Komisarek said. "It was awesome, man. Guys went to war for each other. There's no better feeling than that."

3P 00:00:

Huge faceoff win by Pleks.

3P Canadiens timeout:

Gotta talk over this faceoff.

3P 1:30:

D-zone faceoff

3P Break:

Every game is the game of the year. What a season!

3P 4:22:

KOVY!

UN-FREAKIN'_REAL!

5-5

3P 5:38:

This will be quite the PP.

3P 8:00:

Can't blog. Can't keep up with the pace.

3P 12:40:

I'm hallucinating here. Acid flashbacks ... to 1976

3P 13:08:

Are you kidding me?

RYDER!!!!!!!!!

5-4

3P 13:17:

A miracle!

Lundqvist flubs a Kovalev shot.

5-3

3P Break:

The comeback ain't happening. Rangers are too good, too fast and too smart.

3P 16:00:

Gomez great on the PK. He was all over Markov and Kovalev.

3P 16:52:

Michael Ryder is on fire. And Canadiens finally get a PP.

3P 19:13:

Bad Moon Risin' indeed.

3P 19:38:

getting ugly. They're booing icing calls.

3P 20:00:

I'll just be happy with no injuries.

Between periods:

Hey, I love a good soccer riot as much as the next guy. But the refs are not the reason your Montreal Canadiens are down 5-2 and have been outshot 26-16. And with all due respect to our beloved Komisaurus, he has to get a grip out there ... Anyone seen the Pleks line tonight?

2P 00:00:

Kovalev, Koivu and Ryder. TThe crowd is ready to kill the refs.

2P 2:20:

Special on Ritalin betweeen periods.

2P Clean-up break:

Is this what a Rangers sweep looks like? The ice is covered with rolled-up Go Habs Go signs. Good thing it's not Stick Night.

2P 2:36:

A first this season: the ice littered with poster giveaways after Komisarek is sent back to the box for high-sticking.

2P 5:00:

Avery suckers Komisarek into a penalty.

2P Break:

Crazy game or what? If Canadiens get one more the third period will be a beaut.

2P 7:08:

Rangers timeout. The place has come alive.

2P 7:08:

ABORT RYDER TRADE! ABORT RYDER TRADE!!!

2P 9:00:

More energy from Canadiens, but Rangers are keeping everything to the outside.

2P Break:

"Hello, Bob. About the Ryder trade ..."

2P 11:32:

Just after boos began, a classic Michael Ryder goal.

5-1

Here comes the rally.

2P 13:00:

Canadiens have 12 shots in 27 minutes. And nothing close to a goal.

2P 14:57:

That's TEN unanswered goals in less than 60 minutes of playing time

2P 16:00:

I'm grasping at straws: Huet has looked sharp.

2P 17:16:

Chris Higgins takes an O-zone penalty. Four minutes for high-sticking. What a mess this is turning into.

2P 18:20:

The game in a nutshell: Chris Higgins flailing away in the crease as the puck bounces away harmlessly

2P 20:00:

Cell phone conversation: "Bob! Abort Huet trade! Repeat: Abort Huet trade!"

Between periods:

Canadiens 12-5 on faceoffs. Woo-hoo! ... Koivu, Sergei, Komisarek and Markov were on for both even-strength goals ... I can't figure out why Canadiens amtch up so badly with these guys. Rangers weem to work harder, win most of the puck battles and clear their zone with greater effficiency.

1P 00:40:

Callahan goes for ann elbow on Kovalev.

1P 2:00:

At least Bégin came to play. He laid out Michal Rozsival. And Komisarek picked a fight with Dubinsky. Down 3-0, Flyers hockey: Gotta love it.

1P 3:06:

Wow! Canadiens hacked to death on the lip of the crease ... and Kovy goes off.

1P Break:

Shots are 11-3. This is just brutal. Can't pinpoint what's wrong. Everything, I guess. Hope Gainey hasn't traded Huet.

1P 6:04:

HU-ET ... only because it would be merciful

1P 6:17:

And now an NY PP.

1P 7:30:

Rangers just freewheeling in the Canadiens' end. Total control ... in all three zones

1P Break:

Everyone's pretty much in shock here. Rangers are winning the puck battles. Shots are 9-2. Worst first period in a while.

1P 11:10:

Not a great goal. Dubinsky on a stoppable wrister,

Then at 10:56, Avery ... who gives it to the crowd.

2-0

1P 11:55:

First thump. Bégin on Marc Staal

1P Break:

Shots are 6-2 Rangers. Deceptive, because the game seems close.

1P 13:00:

Avery may, as the gallery keeps yelling, suck. But he can play hockey

1P 16:00:

Koivu is re-energized

1P 17:00:

Andrei K. electrifies this place.

18:00:

Bégin against Gomez.

1P 19:20:

Great first shift for Koivu line.

Forget Hossa:

Marcel, that is. He's rehabbing an injury in the AHL. The other scratches are Colton Orr and Peter Prucha

1P 20:00:

This is the time of the season when s--- gets serious. No predictions,, but I'm expecting a great game.

Odd line:

Jagr starts with Avery and Brandon Dubinsky

Think those things grow on trees:

Another hit to the plexiglass budget: a panel behind the Canadiens' net got cracked during the warmup.

Poster MikeL:

Is watching TSN and reports "Bob (McKenzie) and (Darren) Dreger made a point to say Gainey is by far the most active
Canadian Gm at the GM meetings. They said there is an offer on the
table that would send Ryder and and draft pick to Calgary for Tanguay.
They also went on to say Hossa and Sundin are high on Gainey's wants."

The Brothers Kostitsyn:

On RDS. Will someone get these boys to Harry Rosen?

The next brother act?:

Canadiens have obtained – via a "loan" that probably will become a trade at season's end – Olivier Latendresse, Gui!'s older brother, from the Phoenix organization. Coyotes get Cory Urquhart in return. Latendresse, who turned 22 last week, is 5-10 and weighs 190. Two seasons ago he scored 41 goals for Val d'Or in the Q. Latendresse, per hockeysfuture.com, is "a solid skater and a good stickhandler. He has a great stride and skates with finesse. ... Latendresse doesn't take shifts off, he works very hard and is very reliable. He is a good two-way player who is positionally sound at both ends of the ice. He works hard down low and puts himself in position to create more scoring chances. On the opposite end of the ice, he attacks the rush and will break up an opposition cycle. He works hard at getting himself in between the net and the puck and will get physical."

Blowin' in the wind:

Five brass players from the Montreal Symphony Orchestra will play the anthems tonight. They sound awesome in an empty building.

The Touchables:

CKAC guys listed Canadiens who could be involved in a trade: Saku Koivu, Christopher Higgins, Michael Ryder, Cristobal Huet, Mark Streit, Josh Gorges, Ryan O'Byrne, Mathieu Dandenault, Maxim Lapierre. The rest of the roster is, in their sage opinion, either untouchable or untradeable.

One thug down:

Colton Orr has the flu, won't play tonight.

Tags:

Comments

Submitted by V. on Wed, 02/20/2008 - 18:48.

I was there. The game went from a moment of "oh no not another 8 nothing game" to "maybe we can come back but I won't get my hopes up because every time I do they blow it" to "OH MY FREAKING GOD THEY ACTUALLY TIED IT" and "HOLY $#!^ THEY WON!". I personally was worried I wasted my money and just wanted my money's worth. Like I said in the game's post I was feverish. Really amazing, I I never thought to be part of habs history :)

Submitted by JLa30 on Wed, 02/20/2008 - 10:26.

I CANNOT believe I missed this!!!! When I saw they were down 5-2 at the end of the second, I decided to get a little "romantic" with my boyfriend. What the frickin hell!?!?!?!! Guess I learned my lesson... no nookie during Habs games, even if they are down and seem to be out!

Submitted by Mike Boone on Wed, 02/20/2008 - 14:24.

Wow! I feel your pain ... so to speak. You missed the comeback ... so to speak. You just have to work on your scheduling. At my age, I can wrap everything up – foreplay through cigarette – during the time it takes to Zamboni the ice for a shootout (so to speak).

Submitted by Ed on Wed, 02/20/2008 - 16:39.

You can always depend on Mike to find the good ones!

Submitted by 24 Cups on Wed, 02/20/2008 - 14:39.

Chris Aung-Thwin - Please file this reply from Mike away for next week's Bench Talk. It's already #1 on the highlight reel! The Original 24 Cups

Submitted by howtathor on Wed, 02/20/2008 - 07:53.

My only regret is that Bob Gainey was not there last night (I think he was still in Naples, Florida although I may be wrong) so that he could feel the full impact of the win last night. I've heard reports that he is VERY active in talks with other teams to bring us an impact player. Even Mats Sundin for crying out loud! Where would we play him? I just feel that this team made a loud statement last night, that they are not for sale and any perceived inadequacies are just that. Well okay, Hossa for Brisbois and Smolinski we'll take. That being said, I think the 6th player was very significant last night. I wasn't there but apparently the Bell Centre was thunderous from the time Michael Ryder scored his first until Saku put out the lights in the shootout. If the team keeps playing like this we'll rock 'em all the way to the cup. Shades of '93! How many overtime victories? Last night had team of destiny written all over it when you think that it has never happened before in franchise history. The forum ghosts were clearly in evidence last night!

Submitted by Blitzen on Wed, 02/20/2008 - 07:33.

So I've watched hockey ever since Le Gros Bill scored his 500th. Saw the 70s Habs. Saw the 5-2 comeback against the Bruins. This game was very reminiscent of that period. In the 70s, the opposing team needed to be ahead by at least 3 goals heading into the third to have a shot because the Habs OWNED the 3rd. Despite seeing all of those great games by all of those great teams, I honestly cannot remember the Habs dominating THIS much in the third. It's like they were possessed. Wave after wave coming; D-Men pinching in at just the right time. You just knew they were coming back. I am SO glad we can play firewagon hockey again. Somehow, I just know that Maurice has a smile on his face up there. _____________________________________________________ Jesus Price: the Blocker, the Glove and the Holy Post

Submitted by wd40 on Wed, 02/20/2008 - 08:19.

i know. it was something to behold! every man was battling like it was game 7 of the stanley cup finals. i wish i could have been in the building. as a die-hard habs fan, it must have been absolutely incredible.

Submitted by RGM on Wed, 02/20/2008 - 06:56.

It's the morning after and I'm still buzzing over this game. This will be the water-cooler talking point du jour, especially because everybody at the office knows I'm a Habs fan. It's almost as awesome watching and reading all the game recaps...I can't imagine what it must have felt like to be actually at the game and having stuck it out until the end. From the utter depths of despair that a 5-0 hole brings out, to the utter epiphany of coming all the way back to win. I probably scared a life or two out of my cats from celebrating along with the TV, and I'm sure there's still a few ears ringing from the Bell Centre faithful who attended. Simply awesome. See you April 5th at the Bell Centre!

Submitted by Y on Wed, 02/20/2008 - 06:39.

Ok since I have no life and whatnot I decided to check out how the game progressed thru the eyes of rags fans It was no surprise how their jubilance quickly became "omygawdijusthrewupinmymouth!" but what was interesting was that some of them decided that this whole game was a sham, a conspiracy "Hate saying this about the NHL, but with Bettman in charge, anything is possible. This game almost looked fixed. No way are the Rangers 5 goals better than Montreal over the first half of the game. Rangers didn't necessarily deserve the 5-0 lead. Montreal's d-bag fans won that game. I've never heard an arena erupt for a goal that cuts a lead to 5-1 the way that place did. That's part of the reason I say the game looked fixed." That and some of them want to go to war with Quebec :LOL: check out all the fun at: http://community.msgnetwork.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/54210655/m/321106122/...

Submitted by Sami on Wed, 02/20/2008 - 12:10.

Great entertainment reading the Rangers thread, although, it sounds like hockey fans everywhere, blogging, high on their team when they're up, wanting to fire everyone when they choke (And the Rangers stepped on their weenie last night, thanks to some inspired play by our Habs and fantastic encouragement from the fans). The best we can do is put this one behind us, and build on it for the next game. Go Habs Go!!

Submitted by TommyB on Wed, 02/20/2008 - 12:28.

Yeah, almost sounds like a certain Habs blog, doesn't it?

Submitted by Blitzen on Wed, 02/20/2008 - 07:26.

Great read. I especially liked the one guy who complained about the MTL crowd being too loud. _____________________________________________________ Jesus Price: the Blocker, the Glove and the Holy Post

Submitted by Bouleau noir on Wed, 02/20/2008 - 04:53.

Habs extraordinary, fabulous come back, no one have missed on that game I hope,... historical ! The Ranger's coach was amazed that the fans had remain supportive of the Canadiens after the team had let in 5 goals against them at the game mid-point,.. I think it made the incredible happens..... and a blast it was... the Bell was the place to be last night. Its not the first time that the fans make good thing happened,... Kovalev has always been adamant to say that the reason he signed with Montreal was because he was touched by the ovation the fans gaved him when he first put his skates on the ice at the Bell,... fans can make good things happens,.. they did with Kovalev then and did some more tonight with the Club itself. Kovalev has help our team remaking history twice already and played a dominant role on both occasions,... his two goals tonight and his incredible performances that made our historical playoff come back possible four years ago. Our come back tonight was spectacular and its conclusion by our captain in the shootout was perfection.... Koivu's goal was the play of the night on the NHL channel.

Submitted by HabsProf on Wed, 02/20/2008 - 03:07.

I don't know what made me happier - the comeback win or the role Ryder played in it. Congrats to the Big Newf!

Submitted by HabsProf on Wed, 02/20/2008 - 03:07.

By now you have probably heard that this was the first time in the long history of the Canadiens that they have come back from a 5 goal deficit (I was shocked when I heard that, but then again, the old teams were so good they rarely fell behind that far). The best we had managed before was to come back from a 4 goal deficit. You have probably also heard that this was the first time the Rangers, in their long history, have ever blown a 5 goal lead. They have previously blown 4 goal leads before. What you may NOT have heard, and what I find particularly amusing, is that the last time Montreal came back from 4 goals down was also the last time the Rangers blew a 4 goal lead. Back in 94, the Rangers blew a 4 goal lead to, of all teams, Montreal. Oh, and that game was played in Montreal, just like this one. Gotta love it.

Submitted by Chuck on Wed, 02/20/2008 - 03:01.

ABSOLUTELY FREAKIN' PHENOMINAL. So... what did I miss? ;) . . . . ______________________________________ "All bow down before the Komisaurus Rex!"

Submitted by ebk on Wed, 02/20/2008 - 02:30.

went to a movie tonight, did I miss anything?

Submitted by Timo (not verified) on Wed, 02/20/2008 - 02:53.

Haha... eh, somewhat of a good game. No big deal. :)

Submitted by howtathor on Wed, 02/20/2008 - 02:26.

I can't believe the character exhibited tonight, especially Michael Ryder who has been trashed all season long and has no obligation to lay it on the line, yet there he was giving it 110%. I hope that's a lesson to Carbonneau. Things may not always be as they seem. I know Ryder is an easygoing personality and it probably landed him in the pressbox due to a perceived lack of intensity. What lies beneath all that is what counts so think twice before you hang this guy out to dry like a diry sock. Same thing to Gainey, forget about that bag of pucks you were going to pick up. Any GM would want Ryder now. I would just remove that forsale sign from the door.

Submitted by The Teacher on Wed, 02/20/2008 - 02:11.

Lost in all of this.... Four...count them...4 wins in a row.

Submitted by The Teacher on Wed, 02/20/2008 - 02:07.

Somebody said this before, but i gotta repeat it. Ole. Dude O Fricking Lay

Submitted by Dan23 on Wed, 02/20/2008 - 02:07.

I was at the Bell Centre tonight and this has to be one of the best Habs experiences I've had since the '93 Cup parade. I'll be fine if Gainey doesn't make a trade, but one thing's for sure: chemistry counts. Fantastic! Bring on the Pens!

Submitted by The Teacher on Wed, 02/20/2008 - 02:08.

You lucky son of a gun!

Submitted by marclatour on Wed, 02/20/2008 - 01:59.

As amazing a comeback as I've ever seen in my 48 Hab-loving years! Seems like I'm not the only one who "smelt" a comeback after the second Ryder goal. Wonder if Tanguay could ever pull off something like that??? Methinks not! That's why they say some of the best trades ever made are those that don't get done! Gone on you Michael ... and Kovy ... and Saks ... and Komisaurus ... a truly all out TEAM effort. Thanks for the memories 2NIGHT! Pistol

Submitted by sidhu on Wed, 02/20/2008 - 01:47.

Any UFA who has doubts about coming to Montreal should watch a tape of tonight's game. How do you feel now, Shanny!?

Submitted by Mike on Wed, 02/20/2008 - 01:32.

Sergei-Koivu-Ryder Andrei-Pleks-Kovalev Higgins-Lapierre-Latendresse Streit-Begin-Kostopolaus Markov-Komi Hammerlik-O'byrne Boullion-Gorges Lineup to the cup

Submitted by Rogie30 on Wed, 02/20/2008 - 01:36.

Didnt you love the Ryder, Lapierre, Streit line? Electric.

Submitted by Mike on Wed, 02/20/2008 - 01:44.

NO, ryder is a player that waits around the crease to wither quickly tap in rebounds, or take a quick 1 timer. He is not a defensive forward and should never asked to be. Koivu is a playmaker and will find the open man, Sergei is a brilliant hockey player that can read the play, shoot the puck and make a quick persition pass. The perfect combination. Higgins is a strong forward who can lay out hits and use his body to controll the puck, Simmilar to latendresse. Lapierre is a pesky forward that can relase the puck quickly but also plays the power forward role at times. Higgins and lapierre are shutdown forwards and latendresse can learn how to do that. These three play sim,milar roles and it makes sense for them to play together. I would rather trade streit, bring in smolinski and move begin to left wing.

Submitted by sidhu on Wed, 02/20/2008 - 01:29.

What a game. What a feeling to be a Habs fan at this moment. We have tons of talent and character. I'm so glad I didn't stop watching this game. Komisarek did his job by taking on Dubinsky. This has to be Begin's best game of the year, by far. And what can you say about Ryder - he came up big against Toronto last year and sparked our comeback tonight. The blueline was strong, including Markov, OB and Gorges. Kovy again was our savior. Even the Captain chipped in with the beautiful shoot-out goal. The only "weak" link I saw tonight was Dandy. The crowd was amazing, cheering even face-off wins. It was like the Habs were about to close a play-off series. This is a great moment in our season as we inch closer to the play-offs. GO HABS GO!

Submitted by Y on Wed, 02/20/2008 - 01:12.

I wonder how Breezer feels after tonight? Or is he already on the 11pm flight to Charles De Gaulle?

Submitted by sidhu on Wed, 02/20/2008 - 01:30.

I will personally pay for his one-way ticket to France, file his retirement papers, and file a retraining order - he can't step within 500 miles of Bell Center.

Submitted by Chuck on Wed, 02/20/2008 - 02:54.

Cruel guys... very cruel. Please show a little more class. . . . ______________________________________ "All bow down before the Komisaurus Rex!"

Submitted by big_daddy on Wed, 02/20/2008 - 01:05.

"We got caught on our heels and allowed them back into the hockey game," Rangers coach Tom Renney said. "I give the Montreal fans a ton of credit. That's what you're supposed to do, you're behind your team and they did a great job of that and this hockey team, which is very dangerous, certainly fed off of that and took what we gave them. To all the UFAs that didn't come to Montreal, read this and kiss my shiny metal a$$. HAHAHAHAHAHA, Who's laughing now meatbags?!?!?

Submitted by sidhu on Wed, 02/20/2008 - 01:32.

Yeah, F Shanahan, and F Sam Rosen, who kept making condescending comments about the Habs fans and who kept calling Gui "Gaetan Latendresse." This win's for you, a-holes!

Submitted by The Teacher on Wed, 02/20/2008 - 00:56.

KOMI. Turning point.

Submitted by HotHabs on Wed, 02/20/2008 - 01:11.

Holy Freakin' Hockey Pucks!!!!!! History was made tonight with a comeback the size of Everest. The boys laid everything on the line. There were no floaters, every line contributed, and there was an incredible intensity on the ice and in the stands. You'd have thought they brought home the cup tonight!!! I won't get on Price's case tonight except to say that he's young and developing and every goaltender (Huet & Price included) have their off nights. I think it was good for Huet to get a win vs. NYR, too. I agree that, without a doubt, the unity and chemistry of the team hit a high point tonight. A rally of this magnitude does that! So, Gainey will have to be careful about his trade possibilities. He said he's looking for an impact player (which means serious game-breaker and goal scorer) but that nothing is coming together right now. I think whomever he may acquire will have to have an even-keel temperament as well as an outstanding work ethic. RDS mentioned that although Ottawa has more overall talent, Montreal has a big advantage in the "heart" dept. and can also match the Sens with their great speed. I fully agree. And, if Gainey does pull off a deal to bring an impact player to the Habs, they will go deep in the playoffs. I'm not worried about goaltending - Huet & Price make a strong tandem and compliment each other quite well. Great comeback. I hope the intensity of this comeback will carry over through the rest of this homestand and down the stretch to the playoffs. We can be sure losses will come, but we witnessed a tremendous demonstration of character that will win many more games! enjoying the high's & enduring the lows of being a Habs fan

Submitted by RS on Wed, 02/20/2008 - 00:52.

Bulldogs win 4-2. Grabovski 3 assists, first star. D'Agostini 2 goals, 10 shots! Second star. Halak stopped 34 of 36 shots.

Submitted by teamplayer on Wed, 02/20/2008 - 00:59.

and how many points does that give grabovski in the past 2 weeks?

Submitted by RS on Wed, 02/20/2008 - 01:16.

13 points in 4 games for Grabovski. Halak's save percentage is up to .927 for the season.

Submitted by Rogie30 on Wed, 02/20/2008 - 01:39.

I still smell a trade, and so does TSN.ca

Submitted by the_larry on Wed, 02/20/2008 - 00:51.

I live with a couple Leaf fans and they want to go party because they think their 3-1 win over Columbus was exciting hahaha... Leaf fans are pathetic. They dont even know what excitment means

Submitted by Mike on Wed, 02/20/2008 - 00:48.

When will carbo use these lines. Im gonna keep pushing them down your throats and hopefully somnehow it will get back to carbo Sergei-Koivu-Ryder Andrei-Pleks-Kovalev Higgins-Lapierre-Latendresse Streit-Begin-Kostopolaus

Submitted by Ryan on Wed, 02/20/2008 - 00:47.

TRADE RYDER HE SUCKS!!!

Submitted by ZepFan2 on Wed, 02/20/2008 - 00:46.

"No predictions,, but I'm expecting a great game." Understatement of the Year...for now?

Submitted by Bill on Wed, 02/20/2008 - 00:44.

Wow. I can't get over how great that was ... I can't sleep. Ryder has chosen a fine time to unfreeze; the Habs don't need to trade for a goal-scorer anymore, so long as Carbo gives the guy steady PP time. Koivu played a hard game and had the CLUTCH shoot-out winner. Kovalev is playing like Guy Lafleur, Rocket Richard, and Bobby Baun all rolled into one. Huet came in and settled that party down: Rangers got two goals on a CHEESY four-minute power-play, but Huet was perfect down the stretch and especially in the shoot-out, where he just DEFIED the Rangers. Komisaurus Rex, king of the jungle, what can you say? Great game by the entire team. The only Hab who could probably be any happier is Carey Price, but he just got beat by some weird goals. He really does blow hot and cold, that's for sure. He'll be back! Awesome. WHo needs sleep, I'm watching Sportscentre again! http://yearofthehab.blogspot.com

Submitted by Mike on Wed, 02/20/2008 - 00:42.

Just wanted to point out. KOMI WAS THE TURNING POINT IN THIS GAME. It was when he fought and then took the penalty right away. The team saw how fustrated he was and how he was willing to lay himself on the line inorder to helkp his team out.

Submitted by Timo (not verified) on Wed, 02/20/2008 - 00:40.

The GM meeting HAS to address the bush league refereeing we saw tonight. It was atrocious. If there was no bribery involved, then league just has absolutely stupidly incompetent refs. If they were bribed or instructed to call it in favor of Rangers then we have whole different kind of problem. But refs are a problem no matter how you look at it. Btw, I am a hockey ref so I feel entitled to criticize :)

Submitted by Mike on Wed, 02/20/2008 - 00:43.

it was discusting. So many calls werent caloled agiasnt the rangers, and so many phantom calls were made on us. Even the icing at the end of the game wasnt an incing. We tipped the puick in after the red line.

Submitted by big_daddy on Wed, 02/20/2008 - 00:39.

Great Win, other teams should take notice and be scared. Did anyone notice how the confidence level of the Habs increased with Huet in goal? I think Price is great and will be our number one goalie, but not this year. Huet brought the Habs this far and the Habs should run with him the rest of the way, for better or for worse. Poetic justice that the Habs won in a shootout, I am sure some if you non Huet believers thought the game was lost because it went into a shootout and Huet was in nets...... shame on you. Huet is number one, Habs win, game over. Cheers, big_daddy p.s. all these rumors surrounding Gainey and Les Habitants is really interesting, I agree with many posters that suggest the teams chemistry should be taken into account before any trades are made. So far Ottawa hasn't reaped any benefits from their trade, Gainey should take it all into account.

Submitted by Blitzen on Wed, 02/20/2008 - 00:33.

Watching Carbo talking to the press, he seemed stunned. Totally gave the credit to the players. Said Bégin played like a guy who wants to stay for good. _____________________________________________________ Jesus Price: the Blocker, the Glove and the Holy Post

Submitted by Timo (not verified) on Wed, 02/20/2008 - 00:36.

My guess is that his shoulder has healed well and he is not afraid to be banging again.

Submitted by Blitzen on Wed, 02/20/2008 - 00:39.

I think you're right. Honestly, I can't remember a period where the Habs put that much pressure on the opposition as in the third. They just kept coming in waves with D-Men pinching in. _____________________________________________________ Jesus Price: the Blocker, the Glove and the Holy Post

Submitted by SUMO on Wed, 02/20/2008 - 00:35.

Begin played a great game. Physical and really competed hard.

Submitted by Wops on Wed, 02/20/2008 - 00:33.

I still have to say: "3P Break: The comeback ain't happening. Rangers are too good, too fast and too smart." - Mike Boone hehehe! _______________________________________ CH is for Chris Higgins

Submitted by Trashknob on Wed, 02/20/2008 - 00:31.

Watching online from Thailand - and it still brought a tear to my eye. ========================================================================= I got 40 to 1 odds they'd make it to the cup final at the beginning of the season. WHO'S LAUGHING NOW??? KO HABS KO!!

Submitted by SUMO on Wed, 02/20/2008 - 01:55.

Trashknob I'm watching from Singapore!

Submitted by Blitzen on Wed, 02/20/2008 - 00:28.

Well I think I've calmed down enough to sleep now. WOW! _____________________________________________________ Jesus Price: the Blocker, the Glove and the Holy Post

Submitted by MikeL on Wed, 02/20/2008 - 00:30.

I haven't

Submitted by doug on Wed, 02/20/2008 - 00:31.

me neither. screw sleep!

Submitted by ZepFan2 on Wed, 02/20/2008 - 00:27.

Anybody hear from FFS? Just asking. :) What 'fact' will he pull out of his a$$ to explain this one.

Submitted by The Teacher on Wed, 02/20/2008 - 00:30.

The things we threw on the ice made it hard for the Ranger players to skate? beats me, but it'll be funny to see what he has in store.

Submitted by ZepFan2 on Wed, 02/20/2008 - 00:33.

Lmao I didn't think of that one.

Submitted by Bean on Wed, 02/20/2008 - 00:48.

Hahaha! He also can't complain that Komi's afraid to back up his checks anymore (which is one of his many ridiculous "Facts" he likes to harp on). Komi dropped the gloves tonight and picked a smart, momentum-building moment to do so.

Submitted by howtathor on Wed, 02/20/2008 - 00:24.

WOW.....What can I say??? I'm speechless. Mr. Gainey, cancel all trades. I think this team sent you a message tonight while you're down in Florida looking for a scorer. Your Habs don't want any changes and by the likes of it, don't need any either. Let Hossa or whoever take their monetary designs somewhere else. There are more things in hockey than money and it was demonstrated tonight that hear overcomes all. Yeah, I'm talkin' to you Drury and Gomez and Jagr and Shanahan. At least two of you could have been playing here but you know what? We don't need you! The Canadiens sent a message tonight: WE'RE WALKIN' HERE!!!

Submitted by Rogie30 on Wed, 02/20/2008 - 01:43.

Well, maybe just one, a net crasher like Avery.

Submitted by Blitzen on Wed, 02/20/2008 - 00:30.

I second that motion. Let them play with who they have and let the chips fall. They could have beaten anyone tonight. Anyone. That third period was surreal. They humiliated the Rangers. _____________________________________________________ Jesus Price: the Blocker, the Glove and the Holy Post

Submitted by The Teacher on Wed, 02/20/2008 - 00:23.

I can't wait to hear what Randy Tieman and Brian Wilde are going to say :)

Submitted by NLhabsfan on Wed, 02/20/2008 - 00:16.

Some one here likes to quote Churchill “Never give in! Never give in! Never, never, never, never - in nothing great or small, large or petty. Never give in except to convictions of honor and good sense.. Sound like Montreal.

Submitted by Mike on Wed, 02/20/2008 - 00:14.

AGAIN!! SERGEI-KOIVU-RYDER ANDREI-PLEKS-KOVALEV HIGGINS-LAPIERRE-LATENDRESSE INSERT ANY LINE HERE PREFEABLY STREIT-BEGIN-KOSTOPOLAUS (TRADING STREIT IS A BONUS)

Submitted by ClaytonM on Wed, 02/20/2008 - 00:14.

Jesse Owens Secretariat The 3rd period play of the Montreal Canadiens on February 19th, 2008 I've been watching our Habs play game in, game out for several years now without missing a match. I've been a fan since I was 7 years old and started to appreciate how special they were before going on to win 4 Cups in a row. I've been there when any normal team, the Habs included, would have played that 3rd period just to go through the motions. I have never seen a team come out and dominate their opponent in every single aspect of play before. I'm proud of every single one of them, every one in the organization, and especially every fan who was at the game tonight. At a time when I was asking myself if that was a whistle in the ref's pocket or was he just happy to have $100 on the new york ringers tonight, I'm proud to be a fan of the Habs as well. What other city cheers their team for winning a face-off in their zone with 20 seconds left in regulation? What other fans know when the ref, or in tonight's case linesman, blows the call en masse? Only in Montreal, people. Only in Montreal. The Ghosts are back! The Fans are back! The Cup is soon to follow!!!

Submitted by Moey on Wed, 02/20/2008 - 00:40.

Agree on most of your points, except Secretariat, this is Barbaro's team, I've posted his picture from the beginning of the season, and so far his spirit has lived on through our Habs. I lit a candle tonight when we were down 5-0, the horse came through. Enough said, Go Habs Go.

Submitted by MikeL on Wed, 02/20/2008 - 00:33.

I got chills reading that

Submitted by Wayne on Wed, 02/20/2008 - 00:19.

Great post Clay!

Submitted by MannyP on Wed, 02/20/2008 - 00:13.

They must feel like they are invincible. I can't believe it. !!!!!!!! On a side note...That Olivier Latendresse "loan" is very intriguing. Are they getting ready to send down Guillaume to Hamilton, and want his big brother there with him to look after him, since he would probably be devastated if he was to be sent down. Or maybe they are bringing him along for the playoff run, to solidify team spirit (since there is no limit to the number of players allowed on your roster after the trade deadline), which would be a great move. This has the feeling of a very special season. Kudos to the whole organization and to Bob Gainey. He is showing that he truly knows what it takes to build a winner.

Submitted by Blitzen on Wed, 02/20/2008 - 00:17.

That's what I thought too but the older Lats is going to the ECHL, not Hamilton. _____________________________________________________ Jesus Price: the Blocker, the Glove and the Holy Post

Submitted by MannyP on Wed, 02/20/2008 - 00:31.

Yeah but that doesn't mean much. They could easily make room for him in Hamilton, in due time. Or in Montreal, after the trade deadline.

Submitted by RS on Wed, 02/20/2008 - 00:27.

But the question is who ends up in Hamilton first? Actually I like Gui. But this swipe is just too obvious to let slip.

Submitted by Blitzen on Wed, 02/20/2008 - 00:13.

I wonder if Brière still feels good about choosing the Flyers? LOL _____________________________________________________ Jesus Price: the Blocker, the Glove and the Holy Post

Submitted by MPWRD42 on Wed, 02/20/2008 - 01:44.

Ya let's hope the Flyers continue their brutal slide right out of the playoffs... I always hated them anyway - even before Briere.

Submitted by Timo (not verified) on Wed, 02/20/2008 - 00:21.

I hope he eats his little heart out.

Submitted by JB_15 on Wed, 02/20/2008 - 00:10.

I screamed so loud I scared the hell out of the entire floor in my building. My heart almost stopped. For real. But I couldve died after that save on jagr in the shootout and been cool with it. What a way to go.

Submitted by Timo (not verified) on Wed, 02/20/2008 - 00:19.

My cat is still avoiding me :)

Submitted by HABSMANIA on Wed, 02/20/2008 - 00:09.

WOW what a WIN!!!!!!

Submitted by Kilgore Trout on Wed, 02/20/2008 - 00:08.

ryder's third goal is now being attributed to streit

Submitted by Rogie30 on Wed, 02/20/2008 - 00:09.

Keep that line together.

Submitted by PattyBoy31 on Wed, 02/20/2008 - 00:07.

i'm happy, good night every1

Submitted by PattyBoy31 on Wed, 02/20/2008 - 00:06.

Hey Boone! Quote(You)3P Break: "The comeback ain't happening. Rangers are too good, too fast and too smart." Quote(ME) 21:40 :" Boone, the comeback IS happening" hahahaha its true, the opposite of what you say happens

Submitted by ZepFan2 on Wed, 02/20/2008 - 00:19.

"hahahaha its true, the opposite of what you say happens" lol He pulled a Costanza.

Submitted by Mike Boone on Wed, 02/20/2008 - 00:09.

The Boone Reverse Jinx is about 58-2 this season.

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About Mike Boone

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Mike Boone

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About
I grew up in Park Extension, within walking distance of Dickie Moore's Dairy Queen on Jean Talon. Moore had a place on L'Acadie Blvd., and we used to see him driving around in his convertible with a Samoyed and a very dishy wife. While "studying" at McGill University during the 1960s, I used to attend games at the old Montreal Forum. My fellow undergraduate reprobates and I would scramble up the stairs to get centre-ice spots in the top standing room section, where aged ushers didn't know or care what we were smoking. I stood out in the cold for six hours to get tickets to the 1975 New Year's Eve game between the Canadiens and Central Red Army. With the exception of the birth of my daughter, the 3-3 tie was the greatest event I've ever seen in my life. The Canada-U.S. Gold medal game comes close .... but I wasn't there. I've been a professional journalist since 1974, when I joined the Montreal Star sports department. I've covered the 1976 Olympic Games, the 1979 Expos, pop music and MSO tours of Europe and Asia (classical musicians are WAY more fun to drink with than athletes). I wrote a TV & Radio column for 20 years and, since 2000, have written a City column for The Gazette. The best part of being a Habs Inside/Out contributor is attending games at the Bell Centre. I think it's a great building: noisy, raucous and packed to the rafters with Montrealers and visitors who live for hockey. And I still get goosebumps every time Michel Lacroix booms out "Accueillons nos Canadiens ..." Having seen the Boston Red Sox win two World Series and the Pittsburgh Steelers add a couple Super Bowl titles, I suppose I can die happy ... but not before another Stanley Cup parade. And I'd really like my daughter to see a historic New Year's Eve game. I like all the players. Covering baseball gives me a profound appreciation of pro athletes who aren't jerks. My weltanschauung was summarized by the late great Bill Hicks when he said "all matter is merely energy condensed to a slow vibration, we are all one consciousness experiencing itself subjectively, there is no such thing as death, life is only a dream and we are the imagination of ourselves." Have a nice day.

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Game of the Year ... for now

posted by Mike Boone at 13h49 EST on Feb 19

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