Habs Stink Up The Joint Again-Hawks 3, Habs 2

First off let me say the score was rather flattering. The Chicago Blackhawks scored late in the 3rd to secure a 3-2 win over the Montreal Canadiens. The Hawks outworked the Habs pretty much all night. For the second straight game the Canadiens defensive zone coverage was very poor and they had trouble with giveaways. Mike Cammalleri and Travis Moen scored late in the 2nd to tie the game and the Habs almost slipped into OT to pick up at least a point. Carey Price was strong in net, keeping the team in the game with 33 saves. He was also great moving the puck up ice with several good passes and a couple of dumps on the PK. Christobal Huet stopped 20 for the Hawks. The Canadiens couldn't put any magic together like they did last year when the Hawks visited the Bell Centre (with me in attendence). The Hawks are one of the top teams in the league and are going to be even better when they get Hossa and Toews back. Some other thoughts from another tough one to watch:

>As discussed, the coverage in the defensive zone was brutal. Too many times did we see 2 Habs converge on a Hawk in the corner leaving an open man in front of Price. Too many giveaways led to prolonged pressure in the Canadiens zone.

>The defence as a whole made several key mistakes. Bergeron had the first goal go in off his foot. Mara couldn't get to his man fast enough on goal 3. Gill was bad again, capped off with a terrible giveaway at the Hawks line that led to a breakaway, then a penalty, then the 2nd goal.

>The plan to split up the top line doesn't seem to be working. A. Kost is trying, but snakebit.

>Moen and Patches were both very good in all areas of the ice.

>The PP went 0/3 including a 3 minute chance after a dirty hit by Ladd on Dags. Chips came to his defence and got an extra 2 which was the reason for the 3 minute PP. The Hawks were aggressive and the Habs couldn't get set up. The PK was pretty good, holding the Hawks to 1 goal on 6 tries.

After 2 losses on the road to two very good teams the Canadiens return home to play the Laffs at the Bell Centre. The Habs really had no business being in the game on Friday, but hung around anyway, which is a positive. The Hawks are quick, very quick. As for the Silver Wolf Whiskey Hab of the Game, tonight it goes to Max Pacioretty. Played his best game of the year with strong defensive play and a good fore check. Honorable mentions to Moen and Price. I am looking forward to the "warm" reception Komisarek will get tonight by the Bell Centre faithful.