This Hasn't Happened Since 1995

Tomorrow, the Habs will attempt something they haven't done since 1995.

They're going to protect Patrick Roy's lead.

In a quasi futile effort, Patrice Brisebois, playing in his 1000th game, and Mathieu Schneider will put their best skate forward to give the man who gave them a Stanley Cup ring a few more days at the top.

Quasi because Montreal would relish denying Martin Brodeur his record trying 551st victory at the Bell Centre. A small victory of sorts. Futile nonetheless because Brodeur is on his way to the top and will remain there for a while. None of the active goalies in the top 20 stand a chance, all relegated to backup status. Considering that at that 20th spot stands Billy Smith with 305 wins, you can pretty much sow the thread into that "winningest goalie" jersey because it's not slated to change for a long time.

Does it really mean anything, to deny a hometown hero a much deserved accolade? It does. It does simply because the Canadiens absolutely need the 2 points to keep both feet firmly planted in the playoff door. It does because a win over stifling New Jersey in these hyped circumstances can only boost team morale. And we can all guess that team morale has been, at best, wavering.

It does mean all that much because, there's nothing wrong with the best hockey city in the world witnessing the making of history, as hockey bestows upon a native son a crown fit for the sport's royalty. The saint will bow to the king. If it doesn't happen in New Jersey, it should happen here. Nowhere else will people appreciate it more. 

Habs fans' overarching loyalty will want to see the team prevail tomorrow but not out of disquieting bitterness, more out of necessity. Any loss can be crippling at this point in time. But had the team been resting easy atop the standings, maybe some Montrealers would have been pulling for the makings of history on ice here, in hockey's most natural museum.