Habs Upset Champs To Advance-Habs 5, Pens 2

Now that I have calmed down, I can write this blog. The Montreal Canadiens shocked the hockey world yet again as they dumped the Pittsburgh Penguins 5-2 to advance to the Eastern Conference finals. The Habs staged another comeback winning the final 2 games to take the series 4 games to 3. This ran the Habs record to 5 and 0 during elimination games after they took 3 straight against the Caps in round 1. Brian Gionta scored twice for the winners while Mike Cammalleri. Dominic Moore, and Travis Moen added singles. The Canadiens struck early and built up a 4-0 lead half way through the 2nd period before the Pens scored a pair to make things interesting. But Gionta scored half way through the 3rd to push the lead to 3 and give the Habs some breathing room. Jaroslav Halak was masterful again in net, making 37 saves for the win. Marc Andre Fleury was pulled after allowing 4 goals on 13 shots, giving way to Brent Johnson who made 6 saves. The Canadiens penalty kill was great, killing all 5 Pens chances. The Canadiens power play struck twice on 4 attempts. Some other thoughts from another big series clinching win:

>Hal Gill, despite (as per reports) of having 50 stiches in his leg returned back to the lineup. He looked a little slow and took a pair of penalties. But he showed real guts coming back, props to him.

>Gionta and Cammi were great this series picking up 12 of Montreals 19 goals. Both have a nose for the net and make good on their chances.

>The penalty kill, despite allowing some goals this series, seemed to get better as it went on. To hold the Pens 0 for 5 on the night, with Gill in the box for 2 penalties and Gorges for 1, was impressive. Halak is a big piece of this, but the others should be given a ton of credit as well.

So here we are, off to the conference finals. The experts again gave the Habs little chance to even win a game this series, but they defied the odds again. The city of Montreal will be rocking tonight after selling out the Bell Centre (in 4 hours) to watch the game on the jumbo tron. The Silver Wolf Whiskey Hab of the Game goes to Jaroslav Halak. He was awesome again, making a pair of huge saves in the 3rd period to keep the 2 goal lead and allow the Habs to make it 3. Consideration also given to Gionta and Cammi. Not sure when the next game is, but I can't wait!