Making a Statement

For a minute, let’s forget about numbers. Don’t think about the fact that the Habs have earned 9 of a possible 10 points in their last 5 games.
And let’s put aside that Alexei Kovalev has 6 goals and 5 assists during a 5-game point streak. Let’s forget that Saku Koivu is also riding a 5-game point streak with 3 goals and 5 helpers. Let’s put aside that with 3 goals and 6 assists, Tanguay brings this trio up to a whopping 28 points in the last 5 games.
Let’s put that aside for now.
In general: Shots against are down. Our save percentage and GAA have both improved. We’re playing more disciplined hockey. We’re supporting each other.
Since sitting down individually with the team, Gainey has keep his word by asking players to do their job; to fill their role on the team.
The top line scores goals, especially on the powerplay. Saku Koivu leads on and off the ice. The forwards support the D, and the D supports the forwards. The Max line brings energy and aggressiveness every shift. The grinder line grinds.
The only strike against the team right now is that the second line isn’t scoring. In fact, they don’t seem to be anything. Tomas Plekanec has disappeared down a rabbit hole. I can’t remember the last time I heard a play-by-play guy (on any station) mention his name.Hopefully, playing with Higgins and Dandy will energize him into at least more of a defensive role (that can at least also threaten to score).
On a whole, the team is playing better hockey than it has in months. On a whole, the team looks happier than it has in months. The team has chemistry. Players have confidence. Guy Carbonneau may know hockey but, it seems, he didn’t know this team.
Gainey identified the changes he wanted to make, he made them, and now the team is better off. The Canadiens are playing the type of hockey they should have been playing all year.
Tonight’s game isn’t a “must-win”. But it’s still a statement game. The Leafs have taken it to us recently (especially on Saturday nights) and we need to show ourselves that we can beat a team that we’ve struggled against.
We’ll need to know that heading into the playoffs.
Getting back to the numbers:
The Habs currently sit in 7th, with 90 points. The 4th place Flyers have 94 points. The 10th place Sabres have 85 points.
We have 5 games left in the rest of this (not so regular) Centennial season.
Let’s make them count.