WE’RE STILL WINNING…LET’S KEEP IT THAT WAY

There's been a disturbing trend emerge in the past few games. With the exception of the inspired game against Briere the diving, whining trickster, the team has shown a lack of will, heart and intensity. It was inexcusable against Atlanta, understandable against Buffalo, but last night there was no excuse for fore-checking hard and hitting their defensemen deep in the zone...kind of like what the tired Bruins were doing to us. On Saturday we will be playing against an overly inspired Senators team after having lost to one of the worse teams on the NHL, and trying to make long passes and playing most of the game in our zone giving away pucks on turnovers and getting penalties just won't do.

With that said the HABS picked up two more points...on the road...against a Division rival. There were many things to take away from that game and build on, most notably Price's spectacular and eerily calm performance. No wonder he is being aptly nick named Jesus Price...he can walk on water! Well frozen water...and there were 38 other skater who were doing it...But the fact of the matter is his demeanor through out the game, and most importantly in the last few minutes of the game was astounding. I have seen too many goalies panic when the opposing team pulls the goalie with seconds left, and make the first move or go down early on shots. It takes more than a sack of Kahunas to stand up to a shot from the face off circle, with circulation in front in a 6 on 5 situation with seconds from a one goal win. It takes just as much confidence as talent to play the puck masterfully as a third defenseman, especially after a disastrous pass that almost cost a goal. I've said it before and I'll say it again...Price is cucumber boy...as in cool as a...

I have to make a quick mention about another rookie, who has impressed me with not only his talent, but his calm demeanor. Kyle Chipchura has shown game and game again this season that he rarely panics, makes the right decisions, and is well aware of the game around him.

Speaking of talent, it's good to see Kostitsyn break out of his shell. I hope he continues his involved play, smart decisions, and masterful control of the puck. A fan could sure get used to those flip passes directly on Plekanec’s tape, leading to highlight reel goals. If that second goal by Plekanec is not on the plays of the week, I'll be disappointed.

The Canadiens are still on the bubble IMO. Spectacular performances by the goalies are masking the weakness of the team. Although in the short run we're winning and getting the points, in the long run it can hurt us on the form of a three month, post holidays slump. We have two trios who can and does score goals, we have special teams who can and are performing, we have a shut down line like no body's business, and an energy line who not only gets the job done, but scores. Most importantly we have possibly the best goaltending duo in the league who will improve with each passing day. The team is well balanced, doesn't take useless penalties, and is fast. But we have to keep the strategy simple, and the players motivated. We simply do not have the raw talent to try and win a fancy game. Dump it, chase it, keep the puck in their zone, out skate the opponents and out work them along the boards.

Bob Gainey has put together a team that has all the tools and means to win. Now it's up to the coaching staff to implement the proper game plan, and most importantly keep everyone motivated. The ball's in your court Guy, and the team is on a bubble that could burst any second. How will you respond?