After a campaign marked by difficulties, struggles and oddities, the Montreal Canadiens wrapped up their miserable 2011-12 season against the Toronto Maple Leafs.
At the very least, they concluded the season on a high note, defeating their Ontarian rivals 4-1.
Tomas Plekanec scored a shorthanded goal – at 5-on-3 no less – to open the scoring, while usual suspects Max Pacioretty and Erik Cole also padded their goal totals.
Even Brad Staubitz obtained his first point of the season, capitalizing on an empty net.
Peter Budaj made 30 saves in the win.
Plekanec Deserves Credit
With a final tally of 51 points on the season, Tomas Plekanec has seen his numbers decrease for a second consecutive season. Last year he produced 57 points and two campaigns ago posted a career-high 70 points.
Obviously, this drop in production is worrisome.
Yet, in the circumstances, just attaining the 50 point plateau this season is most commendable. Often tasked with significant defensive responsibilities and paired with offensively limited wingers, Plekanec’s performance has been nothing short of admirable.
To put it into perspective, frequent linemates Travis Moen, Mathieu Darche and Rene Bourque – combined – do not even match the Czech centre’s production.
Price Gets Molson Cup
Goaltender Carey Price is the Montreal Canadiens Molson Cup Player of the Year for the 2011-12 season, while forward Erik Cole is the Molson Cup recipient for the March-April segment.
Not only did Price obtain the Molson Cup for the year, but he claimed it in style, sporting an amazing Cowboy style outfit and hat.
Price concluded the year with a 26-28 record, a .916 save percentage and a 2.43 goals against average.
Without him, the Habs could have easily plummeted to Columbus-like depths.
Budaj’s Performance
Peter Budaj also wrapped up the year on a high note, going 2-0-2 in his final four starts and finishing the campaign with a .913 save percentage.
Some, including RDS' Benoit Brunet, have critiqued his performance as Price’s backup this season.
Looking at his play down the stretch and overall numbers, there is no question he has done an adequate job behind Carey Price. Plus, historically, he has shown he can handle heavier workloads, having played over 30 games in a season five times in his career.
Or would we rather go back to Alex Auld and his .884 save percentage?
Turning the Page
With the end of the 82 game regular season, the Canadiens can now fully turn their attention to the off-season and to rebuilding their team – both on and off the ice.
It all begins this Tuesday when the NHL holds the Draft Lottery where the Habs have approximately 14% chance of obtaining the first overall pick.
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Louis is an Associate Editor at HabsAddict.com. Born in Chicago, Louis grew up in Quebec City where he earned Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration from Université Laval. Find him on twitter @LouisMoustakas
(Photo by Richard Wolowicz/Getty Images)
