Take That Skeptics-Habs 3, Canucks 2

It seemed like a mismatch on paper. Throw out the standings, the Montreal Canadiens put an end to the Vancouver Canucks 7 game winning streak with a 3-2 victory at the Bell Centre. Tomas Plekanec, Max Lapierre and Sergei Kostitsyn scored for the Canadiens who got another excellent performance from Jaroslav Halak in net. Halak was brilliant, making 45 saves, including several big ones in the opening few minutes. Pouliot and Kostitysn both had two point nights. The Canadiens opened the scoring in the 1st and had a 2-1 lead after a period. Plekanec scored mid way through the 3rd to make it 3-1, but the Canucks took advantage of a Mathieu Darche 4 minute high sticking penalty to get within a goal. Roberto Luongo got the call for the Canucks and made 25 saves. The Canadiens power play went 0 for 3, while the penalty kill allowed a goal on 4 chances. The Canadiens played their first game without sniper Mike Cammalleri and the third straight without defenceman Jaroslav Spacek. Matt D'Agostini was recalled from Hamilton to take Cammi's spot. Some other thoughts:

>Martin shuffled the lines, playing Pleks with Pouliot and Kostitsyn & Gomez with Gionta and Maxwell. As a group (all 4 lines) the forwards were able to generate a higher than usual amount of sustained pressure in the offensive zone.

>The defence gave up some quality chances, but overall played adequate. O'Byrne continues to shine paired with Markov.

>Despite a bad penalty late, Darche played another decent game. Nothing flashy, but makes smart plays all over the ice.

Another good effort and a big 2 points. The injury to Cammalleri (out for 6-8 weeks) is a serious blow, but maybe everyone can step up their game and put a streak together. God knows most thought the Canadiens were doomed after Markov went down, but they were able to stay close. The Silver Wolf Whiskey Hab of the Game goes to Jaroslav Halak. He was great again and a big part of the win. Sergei Kostitsyn was given consideration, as was Tomas Plekanec. Next action is Thursday against the Bruins.