The Hockey Gods Seem To Hate The Habs-Aves 3, Habs 2

The Colorado Avalanche spoiled the home opener as they continued their winning ways with a 3-2 victory over the Canadiens. The Aves broke a 2-2 tie with less than 7 minutes to go and held on for dear life for the rest of the game. Craig Anderson was excellent for the Aves, stopping 29 shots. Carey Price stopped 20, but 2 of the Aves goals went off Habs players. The first hit Gomez's stick, then Gorges skate and trickled between Price's legs. The second hit newcomer Shawn Belle's skate and deflected top shelf. Roman Hamrlik and Tomas Plekanec scored the Habs goals, with Pleks's goal coming after the refs had missed the puck hitting the mesh and allowed play to continue. A late penalty by Hal Gill seemed to all but end the game, but Darcy Tucker took a highsticking minor soon after. Despite a flurry of shots in the final minute, Anderson shut the door. The pregame ceremony was a let down. The Habs all introduced themselves using a mic on the ice. Quality was poor, I wasn't a fan. Some other observations:

>Pleks and Big Tits played very well. Pacs took over on their line in the 3rd when Cammi was moved up and look solid as well.

>Shawn Belle, despite putting one in his own net, played a smart game. Very strong on the boards.

>Gomez, Gionta and Cammi had their worst game of the year. Couldn't seem to get any sustained pressure.

>Harmlik and Gorges played excellent on the back end. Gill had another off night.

>The PK was very agressive and killed all 4 chances. The PP lit the lamp once in six tries.

>Martin had BGL on the ice again with under 5 minutes, trailing by a goal. Not sure what that's all about.

This could be considered another that slipped away. Like the Oilers game, the Canadiens outplayed their opponent and came up short. Eventually the bounces will start going our way....right?? As for the Silver Wolf Whiskey Hab of the Game, despite very solid efforts by both Andrei Kostitsyn and Roman Hamrlik, the shot goes to Tomas Plekanec. Pleks was everywhere tonight, picking up an assist on Hamrlik's goal before tieing the game in the 3rd himself. He was also great on draws and in the corners.