Pens Push Habs To The Brink Of Elimination-Pens 2, Habs 1

The Pittsburgh Penguins moved within a win of a trip to the conference finals with a 2-1 win over the Montreal Canadiens. The victory left the Canadiens within a single loss of being eliminated, which they will try to avoid Monday night back at the Bell Centre. The story of this game was the play of Marc Andre Fleury who made 32 saves for the Penguins. Jaroslav Halak was also sharp but not as busy, making 23 saves in a losing effort. Mike Cammalleri scored the lone Canadiens goal with just 31 seconds to go to set up a frantic finish. But Fleury and the Pens held on to secure their 3rd win of the series. The Canadiens penalty kill allowed a 1st period goal on 3 Pens chances. The power play went 1 for 3 with the goal being scored with Halak on the bench for an extra attacker. Montreal's defence corp was dealt yet another blow when arguably their best defenceman in the playoffs, Hal Gill, left the game early in the 3rd after the back of his leg was stepped on by a Pens player. No word on the severity of the injury, but he did not return. Some other thoughts:

>Both Penguins goals were scored on point shots. Good things happen when you get the puck on net, something the Canadiens d-men didn't do a good job of tonight.

>The Canadiens could sure use some offence from guys like Pouliot and A. Kostitsyn. Both seem to be off their game and their ice time is starting to reflect it.

>The Canadiens got more rubber on Fleury, but just couldn't get the rebounds to bounce their way. As noted, Fleury made some great saves and was the biggest reason the Pens won the game.

So now we are down to a win or die situation. They managed to fight off the Caps 2 times in this predicament in round 1, hopefully they can pull off the same magic here. The Habs could really use some good news on the status of their injured defenceman. The Silver Wolf Whiskey Hab of the Game goes to Josh Gorges. Gorges was great again, making smart plays and playing awesome shut down D. Consideration also given to Cammi and Metro. Next action is Monday night at the Bell Centre.