Habs Stink Up The Joint-Sens 4, Habs 2

In the biggest game of the season so far, the Canadiens didn't anwser the bell. The Ottawa Senators got a boost from the return of their captain and defeated the Montreal Canadiens 4-2 in front of a sell out crowd in Montreal. The two teams entered the night tied for 7th in the East, but a strong Sens penalty kill ended up making all the difference in the world. Not only did Ottawa hold the league's top rated power play off the scoresheet in 6 tries, they even scored a short handed goal in the 1st. Montreal seemed off most of the night and appeared frustrated by the tight checking Senators. When you are playing a "4 point" game like this you'd think there would be some urgency....but there wasn't. Benoit Pouliot and Tomas Plekanec found the back of the net for the Canadiens and Carey Price stopped 24 in what I would call a very average performance. Mike Brodeur made 30 saves against the Habs including a pair of key ones late in the 3rd on Brian Gionta. A bright spot fot the Canadiens was the penalty kill who were perfect on 2 Sens chances. Some other thoughts:

>It's time to move Dags off the top line. I don't know who should be there but something has to give. Gomez's line continues to play well, but Cammi and Pleks have been somewhat quiet after Big Tits went down.

>Why does Martin continue to put out Mara/Gill with the 4th line? How about putting out Gorges and Markov with that line?

>The power play, as noted, struggled. The Sens obviously did there homework and pressured the Canadiens all night when down a man. It seems like the Habs have trouble getting into the zone and setting up if they ever lose the face off to start the PP.

Very disappointing effort on a night that was so important in the standings. Defensive zone coverage and getting the puck out seem to be problems that flare up more often than not. A solution to the problem with the top line is needed...and fast. I expect to see Halak get the call tomorrow night against the Rangers in another huge game. The Silver Wolf Whiskey Hab of the Game goes to Scott Gomez tonight. Had an assist and was good in both ends again. Consideration also given to Hamrlik and Gorges.