Habs/Jets Post game October 15th 2013

Playing at the MTS center can be intimidating for any opponent. The Jets gain an extra jump in their game and push a little harder for the fans in attendance. Tonight Carey Price posted his first shut-out of the season in a 35 save performance

For Carey Price, the game was a progression of sorts. The Jets started slow with 8 shots in the first but ended up shooting 15 in the third. Of the many shots he faced, he needed to come up big against the speedy wingers that the Jets boast in Kane and Wheeler. His ability to keep the puck out while the team had a 2 goal lead is solid stepping stone. He is building character and mental toughness early, this was also noticed during the Philadelphia game in which he held a 1 goal lead for a majority of that outing. Price gets to come back to the Bell center with the fans confident in him, offering their full support for the Habs net-minder.

The scoring opened early on with a goal from Brandon Prust. Prust handled and forced in a puck that bounced off of the end-boards coming off a Danny Briere point shot. Briere also logged his first goal as a Canadien, all-be-it an empty netter, he'll take what he can get at this point. Early criticism has been sent his way, especially given the fact that he is earning 4 million dollars. Some players just need that empty netter to get the ball rolling,hopefully this will be the case for Briere.

P.K. Subban was a TOI leader tonight for the Habs logging 25 minutes. He ripped a slapshot passed Pavelec from the point and was often the most exciting player on the ice. On any given night Subban plays a sound defensive game usually accompanied by a strong offensive presence. Tonight it just seemed like it was more of the same. It is early but his recent performances are making a strong case to appear on Team Canada's olympic roster.

I am pleasantly surprised to say that David Desharnais had a strong game. Often in the doghouse for a majority of this young season.  He had an assist on the Subban goal and a finished a +2. He also proved to be useful by back-checking on many occasions showing grit. He stringed together a few sequences that left the Jets defense looking silly, but didn't manage to finish. Regardless it was a well needed boost to his confidence given his recent demotion to the third line.

A moment that had the Habs faithful holding their breath was the early injury to Max Pacioretty. He took an awkward fall and seemed to favor his left leg. No official statement has been made but it is safely diagnosable as a lower-body injury. In his absence, coach Therrien did bring back the EGG line who were left pointless but still showed chemistry, and making the most of Prust and Moen who were rotated on the third and forth lines.

The west coast trip wrapped up rather well for the Canadiens who took 6 points of a possible 8 on the road. Getting these west coast games out of the way early with success could result in a strong home stand in the next few games. Columbus visits Montreal on thursday night, although they are now an east coast team, they still remain similar to a west coast opponent, being only one year removed from the wild wild west. The Canadiens proved they can handle the west on the road, time to prove it at home ice.

Posted in: carey price,daniel briere,david desharnais,montreal canadiens,pk subban,winnipeg jets