What a night. The 100th year celebration came to an end on the date 100 years ago the Montreal Canadiens were officially created. The Canadiens didn't disapoint the sell out crowd or the many fomer Habs in attendance with a 5-1 victory over the Boston Bruins. The night began with many of the Canadiens greatest players taking a warm up, full gear and all. Then it was onto a ceremony recognizing the past greats, followed by the retiring of Butch Butchard and Elmer Lach's jerseys. Current and past players then got together for a photo before the action began. Special guests Viggo Mortensen and Gordie Howe helped introduce some of the legends. Another top notch ceremony celebrating 100 years of the greatest NHL franchise. Mike Cammalleri scored his 2nd hat trick of the year while Jaro Spacek and Glen Metropolit added singles. Carey Price was great in net stopping 37 shots, while Tim Thomas managed only 18 before being yanked to start the 3rd. A big stop by Price on a shorthanded breakaway followed by the Spacek goal got the crowd into it early. Then with the score still 1-0, the Habs killed off a 5 on 3 for a full 2 minutes. Mike Cammalleri scored his first soon after and the ball was rolling. The Canadiens tried to give the Bruins life in the 3rd by giving the Bruins 2 more long 5 on 3's, but the PK was too strong, ending the night 7 for 7. The Canadiens went scoreless in 3 tries with the man advantage. Some other thoughts from a great night all around:>Gorges and Gill were excellent all night, especially on the PK. The 2 combined for 5 blocked shots and Gill had a pretty nice assist feeding Metro back door.
>Cammalleri double shifted on a line with Gomez when Lil Tits left in the 2nd with an injury. Gomez ended the night with 2 assists.
>White and Pyatt were in the stands tonight with Laraque back from suspension and Bergeron playing the wing. No word yet on Pouilot or Gionta, but when they come back moves will need to be made.
Only in Montreal could they pull off such a great night. Tons of past heroes made the ceremony special and the current team began the next 100 years on a high note. Only PJ Stock's dumb "only 6 teams" comment (followed by him getting put in his place by Dick Irvin......nice work Dick, why is PJ on television again?) and Ron Maclean's stupid comments to pretty much every person he interviewed were small black marks on the evening. As for the Silver Wolf Whiskey Hab of the Game, that honor goes to Mike Cammalleri. Had a hat trick...enough said. Consideration also given to Josh Gorges and Carey Price. Great to see the boys put on a nice show for the fans and the past players. Next game is Monday against the Flyers.
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