Yea, yea, I know it's just exhibition. But tonight's win showed that the Habs can play with the best. Crosby and Malkin both played (and even killed penalties together) but the Habs used a great third period to come up with a 4-3 win. Brian Gionta continued to show why Gainey wanted him by scoring twice and adding an assist on a great feed to Scott Gomez shorthanded. Gionta is quickly making a case as to why he should be captain of this team. Lats scored the other Habs goal and Carey Price kept the Pens at bay. The three new guys, Gionta, Gomez and Cammalleri swept the 3 star selection. Pierre Maguire was his usual self, professing his love for Burke and the Laffs, even though they weren't playing. In his opinion the Habs were in trouble, until the 3rd when suddenly Habs fans had reason to be excited. As for other thoughts:>Martin used the big three (Gionta, Gomez, & Cammi) on the same line in the 3rd and they produced two goals and several other good chances. Gionta seems to have chemistry with everyone.
>Carey Price looked sharp, stopping 28 of 31.
>Eric Neilson's fight streak came to an end. After Pacs left with an injury Neilson and Stewart were used sparingly.
>As for the young guys, Tom Pyatt and Ben Maxwell stood out. Pyatt isn't flashy but has good hockey sense. Maxwell, although he didn't play much, made some nice plays in the offensive zone.
>The PP didn't look great, but certainly better than other games. Spacek and Markov seem to be gelling.
Next up is the Bruins on Thursday. The Habs made 17 cuts today, sending those players down to Hamilton to get ready for the Bulldogs season. 4 were placed on waivers (2 of them among the 17 cuts), probably so they can be sent to Hamilton (due to their age). Hamrlik, Mara and Laraque are all injured. Still a long way to go, but the past two games have had more positives than negatives. The next couple will more than likely have pretty close to the opening night roster.
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