Koivu and Streit Hurt?

It seems like yesterday's amazing victory came at the expense of two of their core players in Koivu and Streit. Koivu is out after blocking a shot and Streit is out because of a sprained ankle. Hopefully there is no broken bones for either and that they are just taking some precautionary time off by skipping the game against the lowly Toronto Maple Leafs.

However, we all know that the Leafs are not going to let the Habs roll all over them because they always seem to step up their game when it comes to playing the Habs. We will just have to wait and see but the destiny of the Canadiens is up to them, they hold the cards if they want to finish in first. And we do, that way we can play a team like Philly or if were lucky, Boston.

Playoff Place...Locked In

Well it is official, the Montreal Canadiens have successfully clinched a playoff spot for the spring show down. This really doesn't come as much of a surprise as the Habs are in first place in the Eastern Conference and are taking a commanding lead over the Ottawa Senators for first place in the North East Division.

This first place business is pretty important as they will want to play a team like Boston or the Rangers in the first round of the playoffs. Especially because they will be with out Komisarek for the first round, at least as it is expected.

It should also be noted that the high scoring Canadiens have shown all those non believers and forecasters who predicted them to finish at the bottom of the East. Wow, don't underestimate youth and speed and great goaltending.

Komi out for 3 Weeks

The Canadiens are going to be in tight with the recent injury of Mike Komisarek. Komisarek is listed as injured with a lower body injury and is expected to miss 3 weeks. This could be very bad timing for the Canadiens as Komisarek plays on the top Defence line and is leading the team in both hits and blocked shots.

Komi was also one of those guys who kept the other team in line physically because if you rubbed a guy the the wrong way, Komi would be the one who ensured that didn't happen again. Any Habs fan who watches many games will notice that Komi's presence will be missed.

Hopefully he will be back for the end of the first round of the playoffs and at the very latest, back for the second round.

Here's hoping!

Kovalev puts on a Clinic

Well, if there was any doubt that Alex Kovalev was not a top notch player in the NHL, he sure showed last night that those doubts are unwarranted. Not only did he get two goals and an assist, he made Chara look foolish on both of his goals. Chara, the 8 foot ogre, was virtually useless on both plays as Kovalev's quickness and speed exploited Chara's size and slowness.

The other thing that we need to look at when considering Kovalev's season is his impact on the other players. Look at Plekanec, look at Kostitsyn, both of those guys are talented, but Kovalev makes them better.

Alex is playing with fire in his eyes this season and he is being rewarded for it. Not to mention, those of you who remember Kovalev in the playoffs two years ago. When he was dominant at times. How is he going to step it up for the playoffs this year? He is already dominating most games. All I can say is, watch out, he is going to light some fireworks come playoff time.

Price Out Plays Brodeur

With yesterdays 4-0 win over the New Jersey Devils, the Canadiens have labelled themselves as the team to beat in the Eastern Conference. They easily beat the second place team in the East and have tallied the most goals in the NHL so far.

Price remained calm and collected as he collected a shutout while Plekanec battled the flu and was not as effective as normal. Fortunately, Ryder seams to be slowly breaking out of his horrific season collecting his 13th or so goal of the season. As I have said before, to compete for the cup, you need balanced scoring, and getting Ryder going is essential if they want to go anywhere.

As the team to beat, the Canadiens will be up to their ears in energy so lets hope they can turn that energy around and destroy everyone in their way!

Ottawa is Sucking

The Canadiens have really taken advantage of the fact that the Senators are pretty much the worst team in the conference since the new year. Montreal has played strong all year and has not shown any signs of slowing down.

The thing that I see the team doing much better this year is coming back when down. This year they have showed that no matter what the score is, they are planning on coming back. This is essential if winning the cup is your goal.

And while Ottawa struggles, and Montreal plays well, first place in the East becomes more and more attainable.

The Price is Right....Again

I think most Habs fans were thinking that the Huet trade seemed like a little bit of an odd trade but if the last games since the trade are any indication of the outcome, we are in for a real treat.

My personal opinion was that Bob was trading Huet to free up room to make a splash in the trade market for possibly two talented players. However, we ended up with none. That is ok because I would not want to see any of our youngsters leave, especially Higgins or the Kostitsyn brothers. After seeing what Pittsburgh had to give up for Hossa, I am happy with the team today.

I will miss Huet because he was a comforting feeling after dealing with the unpredicatable play of Jose Theodore and wish him well in Washington. There wasn't going to be room on the team next year for him as the Price era has begun.

Get ready fans, the cool, collective, and consistent goaltender has now solidified his spot as the starter and only has things to prove. Come playoff time, he is going to be poised to go for the cup, and he has played in some big games so he should be able to handle it.

First place in the Eastern Conference this morning. The predictions at the beginning of the season were 12-13 place in the East, totally missing the playoffs. I hope those analysts got fired!