Habs Take Game 1-Habs 3, Caps 2 (OT)

I can't wait to hear what the "experts" who predicted a sweep have to say tomorrow. The Montreal Canadiens weathered the storm early and came out on top 3-2 in overtime victory over the Washington Capitals in game 1 of their Eastern conference quarter final. Jaroslav Halak was great between the pipes for the Canadiens, ending the night with 45 saves including 18 in the first period alone. As expected, the Caps fed off their fans and came out blazing in the 1st period. Despite being outshot by a wide margin, the Canadiens went into the intermission locked up at 1 after a goal by Mike Cammalleri. That score held up until the 3rd when the Caps took the lead under a minute in. But the Canadiens got back on even terms when Scott Gomez scored at the 7:34 mark. The hero of the day was Tomas Plekanec who ended the game with just under 7 minutes to play in the first overtime, giving the Canadiens first blood in the series. Jose Theodore made 35 saves for the Caps in a losing cause. The power play went 1/4 on the night while the penalty kill was perfect in 4 Caps chances. One of the big story lines was the Habs holding superstar Alex Ovechkin to 0 shots on the night, something that is unheard of. Some other thoughts from a fantasitc start to the playoffs:

>What an effort by the defence corp. Spacek was amazing tonight against Ovechkin and the rest of the crew played almost as good. If they can keep it up all series the Canadiens have a good chance to win.

>Nice to see Cammalleri break out of his slump with the opening goal. Great rush as well by Gomez which led to goal #2. And who can forget Pleks who backed up his words with the winner.

>Halak made some incredible saves in the 1st and allowed the Canadiens to escape into the intermission with a tie. After that I thought the Canadiens found their legs and gave the Caps all they could handle.

Taking game 1 is exactly what the doctor ordered. This one should give the Habs the confidence to know they can play with the Caps when they are on their game. There sure weren't too many passengers on this night. But no time to dwell on the victory, it's time to look forward to game 2. The Silver Wolf Whiskey Hab of the Game tonight goes to Jaroslav Spacek. Did a great job on Oveckin, broke up a 2 on 1 in overtime and for good measure set up Pleks for the game winner. Consideration also given to Halak and Pleks. Next game is Saturday back in Washington for game 2.