Habs Knock Off Panthers-Habs 4, Panthers 1

The Montreal Canadiens used a tight defensive effort to defeat the Florida Panthers 4-1 at the Bell Centre. The Canadiens took a 2-0 lead into the 1st intermission and that lead held unil the Panthers struck with less than 4 minutes to play to make it interesting. But Tomas Plekanec and Brian Gionta both scored into the Panthers empty net in the final 2 minutes to secure the victory. Gionta also scored in the 1st, while Benoit Pouliot scored the other Canadiens goal. Jaroslav Halak was sharp when called upon, making 23 saves for the win. Tomas Vokoun made 27 saves in a losing effort for the Panthers. The Canadiens penalty kill was excellent all night, holding Florida scoreless in 5 tries, including a 5 on 3 near the end of the 2nd period for almost a minute. The power play struggled going 0 for 2 on the night. The Canadiens got an emotional boost when Travis Moen returned to the lineup sporting just a visor and 50 new stitches coutesy of the Ottawa game. Some other thoughts:

>The defence was impressive again, blocking shots and breaking up 2 on 1's. Gill fell asleep on the Panther goal to ruin an almost perfect night. Spacek crushed forward David Booth with a clean hit in the 2nd. Booth, who had major concussion problems earlier in the year needed to be helped off the ice.

>It seems like the top 2 lines are taking turns having big games. After Pleks and company scored both goals last night, Gomez and the crew scored 3 tonight. They could be pretty dangerous if they could both light it up on the same night.

>Moore, Moen and S. Kostitsyn continue to be a great 3rd line. They are good defensively and create offence with hard work.

Another 2 points in the bank puts the Canadiens that much closer to a spot in the post season. After the late collapse last night it was nice to see them successfully hold a lead in this one (although of course they had to give up one to keep everyone on the edge of their seats). The Silver Wolf Whiskey Hab of the Game was a tough one. I went back and forth, but on this night will give it to Josh Gorges. He had a great night blocking shots and making great plays all over his own zone. He's so underrated it's not even funny. Consideration also given to Moen for his gutsy effort and the buzz saw Gionta. The Devils are next for a Saturday night tilt.