Habs Leave Stars Dazed-Habs 5, Stars 3

The Montreal Canadiens scored twice in the 3rd period to break a 3-3 tie and come away 5-3 victory over the Dallas Stars. Brian Gionta led the offence with a pair of goals, while Benoit Pouliot, Mike Cammalleri....and.....I can't believe I am typing this.....Gorges Laraque added singles. Pouliot, Gionta and Cammalleri all ended the night with 2 points. For Laraque, it was his first goal in a Canadiens uniform and his first shot of the season (he ended the night with 2 shots). Carey Price shut the door when he needed to and ended the night with 33 saves. Marty Turco made 23 stops for the Stars. The Habs league leading power play was again a big factor going a perfect 2 for 2 on the night. The penalty kill gave up one early, but killed a pair of penalties in the 3rd period when it mattered. Cammalleri's goal with under 4 minutes to play gave the Canadiens some breathing room with the Stars pressing. Some other thoughts after a big win:

>Gionta, Gomez and Pouliot had another big night, combining for 5 points. The chemistry these 3 are building is great to see. With A. Kost out, the former big line has struggled....D'ags doesn't appear to be the awnser. Moen started the game with Cammi and Pleks, but Lappy also saw some action with them.

>Despite potting a goal, the 4th line was on the ice for 2 Stars goals. You won't win many games when your 4th line gives up a pair, but tonight it worked out.

>The defence didn't play bad, but gave up WAY too many odd man rushes in the first two periods. Props to Spacek and Mara for nice open ice hits.

The race for the playoffs in the East continues to be tight, so this was a big 2 points. I was kind of surprised to see Price get the call in net after Halak's play the last couple of games, but I really don't care whose in net as long as the end result is a win (although my fantasy team likes to see Price play all the time). The Silver Wolf Whiskey Hab of the Game goes to Brian Gionta tonight. A pair of goals including the game winner and some excellent penalty killing. Honorable mentions go to Gomez and Hamrlik. Saturday night against the short staffed Sens is the next one.