Two wins in two nights. Not a bad start to the exhibition season for the Habs. Depsite icing a very "thin" lineup, the Canadiens were able to overcome a slow start and sneak by the Sens 2-1 in a fight filled game. Brian Gionta scored his first as a Hab late in the 3rd, while Ben Maxwell had the other goal. Halak and Sanford both played well while splitting duties. Rematch tomorrow in Ottawa. Some observations as I actually got to watch the game:>In the fight category rookie Eric Neilson (see picture above) won the crowd over early and often with 3 fighting majors and 37 PIM's in all. Looked like he really wants to make the team, but I would say that is a long shot. Alex Henry and Andrew Conboy also dropped them, but didn't do so well.
>Brian Gionta looked good. Fast, physical (for a little guy) and had some chemistry with Pleks and Pacs. Scored a goal and missed an open net with the goalie out or he would have had 2.
>Ben Maxwell played well. Good with the puck, had an early breakaway shorthanded as well before he scored.
>Mara and Gill looked a little slow and uncomfortable with the puck. Let's hope they are just a little out of shape and nervous.
>Weber played very good. Didn't do much offensively, but was good in his own end and surprisingly physical for a little guy.
All in all, good effort by the Habs tonight, considering there were only 8 vets, including Pacs in the lineup. Started slow, it looked like a lot of the young guys were pretty nervous, but got better as the game went on. Next up Kovy battles his own team (not available for me to watch....)
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