Finally The Streak Ends-Habs 2, Thrashers 1 (SO)

The air seems a little fresher. Food tastes a little better. All because the Habs have put an end to their losing streak with a 2-1 shootout win over the Atlanta Thrashers. Brian Gionta gave the Habs a 1-0 lead in the 1st, but after that goalie Ondrej Pavelec was spectacular and the Thrashers managed to tie the game in the 3rd. Depsite a PP in overtime and a 7-0 shot advantage, Montreal couldn't solve Pavelec sending the game to a shootout. Mike Cammalleri missed, but Scott Gomez and Brian Gionta both found the back of the net. Jaroslav Halak, making his second start of the year, stopped both Altlanta shooters and made 22 saves. Pavelec ended up with 34 saves. The PP in OT was a result of a dangerous hit by Kozlov on Gomez that saw Gomez pop back up, drop his gloves and pound on the Russian. Kozlov ended up with 5 and a game, while Gomez picked up 2 for roughing. Apparently the rule in OT is that they take the difference, so the Habs ended up with a 3 minute PP. Pierre Maguire's hatred of the Habs is getting old, almost had to turn to RDS. Some other thoughts after the long awaited victory:

>Marc-Andre Bergeron played his first game and was on the recieving end of a huge hit. He looked shaky...mostly because of the hit. Props to Laps for coming to his defence after the hit.

>The first line was clicking tonight. Gionta scored and hit a post, Gomez hit a post and Cammi had several good chances. It does appear Cammi is gripping his stick a little tight right now.

>Overall, better team defence. Gill struggled again, but Spacek played well in his own end (but not on the PP).

>Halak wasn't busy, but played well. It will be interesting to see who gets the start Thursday.

>Chipchura and Moen were really good. Both made several excellent plays in their own end.

Win #3 is in the books. Took some time, but it has finally arrived. Pretty good 65+ minute effort overall. I can't help but think the pucks will start going in. The Silver Wolf Whiskey Hab of the Game was a very tough one tonight. Gomez played a heck of a game. Halak was very sharp. But I had to go with Brian Gionta. Scored the lone goal in regulation then iced the game in the shootout. He was a threat every time he was on the ice. Next action is Thursday versus the Islanders.