Panthers Out Work Habs-Panthers 2, Habs 1

The Florida Panthers used their typical boring trapping style to come away with a 2-1 victory over the Montreal Canadiens. To be fair, the Panthers outworked the Canadiens for pretty much the entire night and used a stifling trap to neutralize the Habs offence. Add to that the usual horrible ice and "I can hear a pin drop" atmosphere and the game could be described as a bit of a snoozer. Montreal actually led heading into the 3rd after a late power play goal by Tomas Plekanec. But the Panthers scored on a penalty shot in the 3rd, followed by a goal that Hamrlik kicked in his own net to take the lead.....that they never relinquished. The officiating was interesting again, with Hamrlik taking a nasty stick to the cheek in the 2nd, with the official staring directly at him. Apparently he said it was on the follow through....I guess when you have 1 hand on your stick and wildly swing at the puck only to hit an opponent in the face that is considered "your follow through". Jaroslav Halak made 27 saves for the Canadiens, while Tomas Vokoun stopped 16 shots. The Habs were 1 for 1 on the power play, while the Panthers were 0 for 2. Some other thoughts from an important one that got away:

>I love Andrei Markov, but he was awful tonight. He got caught pinching several times leading to odd man rushes against. Hamrlik wasn't much better. When your top 2 defenceman have off nights it's tough to win.

>Martin's idea to use Moen on the top line needs to end. Moen is a checker. He dumps the puck in and chases it. Cammi and Pleks need someone with a little more in the way of offensive instincts.

>On the topic of ripping Martin, why on earth did he have the 4th line on in the last 1:30??? This is a line that has a defenceman playing forward. Are the top 2 lines in that bad of shape they can't double shift in the last 5 minutes of a 1 goal game?

Very disappointing night to say the least. The race in the East is too tight to come up with efforts like this. The Panthers played a smart game and outworked the Canadiens....they deserved to win. The Silver Wolf Whiskey Hab of the Game goes to Jaroslav Halak. He was solid and kept the team in it. Consideration given to O'Byrne and Metropolit. Next up, Tampa Bay tomorrow night.