The Breaks Go The Bruins Way-Bruins 3, Habs 0

Some days you get the breaks, some days you don't. The Montreal Canadiens put in a pretty good effort, but came out on the wrong end of the 3-0 game against the Boston Bruins. The shoe was on the other foot today in terms of hot goalies, as Bruins goalie Tuukka Rask had a great game, stopping all 36 shots he faced. Jaroslav Halak played well too, stopping 24 shots. Two of the Bruins three goals went in off Canadiens players sticks and both of those shots were heading wide before being deflected. The second goal was scored with just seconds left in the 1st as a point shot hit a Habs player and deflected right to a Bruin who put it in the empty net. The refs put their whistles away for most of the game, calling only 3 minor penalties and 2 fighting majors. The Canadiens actually had the lone power play in what turned out to be a very disciplined weekend for them. After entering the 2nd frame down by a pair, the Habs dominated the period, outshooting the Bruins 15-3, but came away empty handed. Some other thoughts:

>Despite what the CBC announcers will have you believe, the Habs had plenty of very good scoring chances. Hats off to the Bruins who ended a long losing streak with a solid road game. But let's not act like lady luck didn't secure this one for them. It was just one of those days when the pucks bounced over the Habs sticks around the Bruins net.

>The "Bulldog line" that brought so much energy yesterday couldn't do the same today. After the first Bruins goal went off White's stick and in, Martin gave them limited ice time, with Deshanais leading the three with only 7:39.

>As most Canadiens fans know, the team is playing without 3 of their top 4 goal scorers. It showed today with lots of chances around the net, but a zero on the scoreboard. The Bruins, like the Pens, had pretty much a full lineup.

All in all not a bad weekend. It would have been nice to knock off the Bruins again, but out shooting the opposition 2 games in a row is something the Canadiens haven't done much of all season. The Silver Wolf Whiskey Hab of the Game today goes to Roman Hamrlik. I thought Hammer was solid all game, making smart decisions and playing well defensively. Consideration also given to Spacek and Plekanec. Things don't get any easier, as the Capitals, riding a 14 game winning streak, invade the Bell Centre Wednesday. Here's hoping Ovechkin gets the flu.