Habs Let Another One Slip Away-Devils 2, Habs 1

In a typical Lemaire/Martin low scoring matchup, the New Jersey Devils edged the Montreal Canadiens 2-1. It was another great crowd in New Jersey....looked about half full. The Canadiens jumped out to an early 1-0 lead as Travis Moen scored shorthanded just over 12 minutes in. The Devils enjoyed 4 1st period PP's, including a 5 on 3 for over a minute, but came away empty after some strong penalty killing by the Habs. A costly Carey Price mistake in the 2nd tied the game before the Devils got the winner with just 2:36 left on the clock. Giving up late goals in tie games seems to be a common theme for the Habs which could cost them dearly come playoff time. Neither team looked particularly sharp or energetic and the fabulous crowd only added to that. Price ended the night with 25 saves, while Martin Brodeur continued his dominance over his childhood team with 17 saves. The Canadiens, surprise, surpirse, only managed 1 power play the entire game. Some other thoughts:

>The Devils did a great job on the Habs big line who had been hot coming in. Gomez looked inspired centering Dags and Lil Tits. The few fans in attendance booed every time he touched the puck.

>Metro's bad penalties over the past 2 games cost him his spot on line 3. He played with Laraque and Pyatt, while Lapierre took his spot with his normal line.

>The defence played pretty solid, although an injury to Hamrlik late in the 2nd is cause for concern. He played just 1 shift in the 3rd before leaving for the night.

Another one bites the dust. The Canadiens have given away too many points late in games which could end up coming back to bite them later in the season. The bright spot is they played with one of the top teams in the league, which they have been doing for the last few games, but playing with top teams doesn't equal points. The Canadiens need to find a way to win games like this. The Silver Wolf Whiskey Hab of the Game goes to Travis Moen. Great on the PK again and had the only goal. Consideration also given to Gomez and Gorges. Next up the Wild tomorrow night. The Habs need a win.