Montreal Canadiens vs Carolina Hurricanes

Musings and In-Game Scribbles

My English is as good as yours, I just write these in a stream-of-consciousness mode that I insist excuses me from small things like rules of grammar or general etiquette. Let’s call it conversational English, hopped up on beans. You know what kind of beans (no, Carl Mellesmoen, not the magic ones).

Montreal Canadiens (17-18-3) at Carolina Hurricanes (9-21-6)

Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Game Thirty-Nine (score posted following scribbles)
Musings and In-Game Scribbles are a “live blogging” of the game that are compiled (typed, actually) during the game and edited and posted shortly after the game.

Montreal is in Carolina.

Jaroslav Halak and Cam Ward are the goalies.

First Period

Metropolit line is on.  Pacioretty goes down in a skinny heap and the Hurricanes are called; Aaron Ward.

Thirty seconds in and wave one is on.  Cammalleri with Plekanec and Kostitsyn.

Markov and Bergeron are on the blue line.  They keep it in.  Eight passes.  Nine.  Ten.

Plekanec to Markov.  Markov was closing to the net.  One-timer.

Montreal 1, Carolina 0

Markov has three goals in three games since returning.

Gill chases Ruutu into the corner to Halak’s left.

Montreal pushes it out but they have to dither and fuss with the puck in the neutral zone.

Lapierre line is on.  They control for five seconds.  And then three more as Laraque backhands it back into the zone.  Umbrella in the rain.  But it’s back out again.

Sudden pass from Line Two.  Cammalleri to Kostitsyn.  Andrei.  Both met behind the net.  One exited right with the puck.  The other left, without.  The puck joined them both.

Montreal 2, Carolina 0

We’re informed that Benoit Pouliot will be on a line with Gomez.  It’s Pouliot’s first game with the Canadiens since being traded to Montreal for Guillaume Latendresse two weeks ago.

Lapierre and Laraque are unsuccessful at controlling the puck deep.  Again.  Line two is back on.  Kostitsyn to Cammalleri.  I’ve decided to call this line two.  Even though they are getting line one minutes.  A quick lead pass from Kostitsyn to Cammalleri is offside.

Cross-check is called after a whistle.  Montreal is called.  And we will find out who after the commercial.

Gomez gets the call and then gets an unsportsmanlike penalty, besides.  Brunet calls it a stupid penalty with some vinegar.

Always watch to see who calls which player lazy and with how much vigour when you watch NFL telecasts.  Do it for a season and with a notebook.  The truth will be revealed.

Two repulsions for Montreal.  It’s a four-minute penalty.

Pitkanen shoots on Halak finally.  Midrange shot from the left circle.

Carolina.  Sutter.

Montreal 2, Carolina 1

Long shot popped out and Sutter whapped it over a sprawled Halak.

Still about two minutes left in the penalty.

Whitney and Staal combine on a pass and shoot.

Plekanec leads a three-on-two.  Crosses the blue line.  Waits, waits.  To Markov.  Post.   And then the other way.  Very quickly.  Shot from Cullen.  Halak stops it.

Lapierre blocks a shot soon afterward and it leads to an exit.

Gorges helps end the next Hurricane entry.

Spacek tries to backhand it out now.  A high one and it fails.  Moments later a shot goes off Markov and right into Halak.  Whistle.

Staal cruises in with limited velocity and fires.  Just wide.  He’s an expert at the wilting goal.

Plekanec takes it out.  Gomez sets him up.  Moves ahead.  Snakes a pass to Kostitsyn.  One-timer, backhand sliver.  In.

Montreal 3, Carolina 1

Goalie change.  Last time I recall a Carolina goalie change it all went to hell.  That’s the one I will always remember (Cam Ward and he stole the series with some help from the Gods of Injury).

Gleason is stopped by Metropolit at the centre line.  Puck goes to the corner.  Gill to Plekanec.  Further movement to the zone mostly by Plekanec.  He now takes it going right and hefts a puck back-handed to the slot.  Hits a leg.

Back to Montreal territory where Carolina fails to hold onto the puck.  They are very lackadaisical.  Skating defeated.  Like an Atlantic team (as your buddy Stephen might suggest – it ain’t MY suggestion).

We return from a commercial.

Who is Yvan Ponton?  Do I really want to know?

Some pepper from Tuomo Ruutu.  He hustles down the right side.  He is game.  But he falls going for the puck.  Or maybe it was Brind’Amour.

The unusually strong Rod Brind ‘Amour.  He has a personal key to the Hurricane workout room.

Just over six minutes left in the first period.

Markov.  Behind our net.  Ok, the Canadiens net.  I feel protective of the (my) team as they are embarking on their (our) longest road trip since 2003.

You trying being absorbed with a team as much as I am and we’ll see what possessive pronouns you use (or utilize, if you prefer … and I know you do).

AK46 creates smoke for pucks.  Plekanec nearly scores.

To the other end we go.  Whistle.

Montreal goes to the power-play.

Bergeron is forced out of the Carolina zone after a faceoff early in the segment.

Cammalleri sends a hard pass backhanded to Markov, looking for that back-door play again.  But it hits a Carolina stick.

Passing is crisp.  Houde sees a certain goal come and go.  So do I.  No replay.  No time.

Passing continues.  Second wave.  Metropolit.  Scores Shot goes high.  And into the net from the phone booth.

What’s going on?

It’s 4-1 Montreal in the first period.

Montreal 4, Carolina 1.

Just under three minutes in the first period.

If a guy, an average guy, suddenly starts getting rampant Rambo results in the tenth year of his career, flag it.  Roids.

There are other flags.  Suffice it to say, they are red.

Gleason up for Cullen and repelled by Spacek.  Now some passes in the Montreal zone to get the puck out.  It’s done and Andrei is chasing it down.  He’s working hard.  I credit Cammalleri and Jacques Martin among other factors.

Montreal, in five-on-five is making it look like a power-play.  Yes, Carolina is a bottom-feeder but it’s better than having that bottom-feeder making it look like a faceoff against US, now isn’t it?  US.  US.  OURS.  MINE.  ME.  MONTREAL.

Faceoff to the left of Halak.  Puck gets to the point.  Stays in.

Moments later we have an icing call.  Just 16 seconds in the period.  Pouliot is on the ice.  Montreal wins the faceoff.  Puck moves out.   I observe Pouliot’s stride.  Teammate carries it.  Pouliot goes for the net.  Pass is intercepted.

Montreal is down 13-11 on shots.  Houde warns that there is a lot of hockey to be played and that the team mustn’t fall in the trap.

First Intermission

Montreal 4, Carolina 1

I think I’m about 20-22 commercials away from cheering against Team Canada.  As usual.  Will they lay off already?  And then the homer announcing is going to start.  Can they at least try to be balanced?  Just try?

Chronique.  “A La Une”.  Francois talks about Sweden’s lineup for the Olympics.

Remember that the Swedes are the defending gold medal champions (from 2006’s fiasco.

We had the wrong coaches, the wrong management and the wrong players.  Get some smart hockey people in there.  Enough with the Mike Tices, the Norm Van Brocklins, the Dan Snyders of the hockey world.  Too many free drinks, proud speeches and fair-haired appointments.  Get us some detail and some integrity.

Koivu will be on the Finnish team, says Francois.  He cautions us that he will likely be a third line centre and not the first-line player and captain he used to be on the international stage.

I am now twenty-one commercials away from national disgust.  What unholy television army of red and white has my remote conscripted me into?

We see some Sabre highlights and I notice (not for the first time) that Ryan Miller is getting a sense of blamelessness about goals against him.  He raises his arms and looks around helplessly after a first Capital goal against him.  The Capitals’ second goal doesn’t evoke an enriching reaction either.  I like Miller but he’d better not become another Brodeur.  Miller is superior to Brodeur in the ability department … so I hope he keeps some humility.  Don’t become the quarterback who glares at a receiver who returns to the huddle ball-less.  I mean after having dropped a pass, of course.

We’re asked the Dodge Question (La Question Dodge); is Benoit Pouliot the man to revive the Canadiens second line?  Bit early for that, no?

Second Period

Montreal 4, Carolina 1

Early buzzing by Montreal doesn’t lead to any shots.  Pacioretty is really giving it to Ward as he works the puck along the boards behind the Carolina net.  Ward is playing like a real bucket today.  I’m surprised but he’s done similar in the past.

Ruutu forces Halak to make a keep the baby in the lap save on a harmless-looking shot.

Plekanec is number two for assists in the NHL.  Great stat.

Pouliot heads to the net.  Shoots from the side.  Stopped.  Knocked into the crossbar.

Whistle.

Carolina wins the faceoff.  They have the puck for long periods before D’Agostini wakes up and does something about it.  The puck came into his frugal zone of perceived responsibility.

Another faceoff.

Shot from Carolina off the faceoff.  Then Moen takes it the other way.

The pace has a very mail-it-in feature to it.  Canada Post branding.

Markov works against Whitney in the corner for more than five seconds.

Markov is playing with so much confidence.  Gets a chance by advancing.  Waits.  Curls backwards.  Shoots finally.

Pouliot gets a chance now.  He seems to have some speed.  He’s tall, besides and has some bulk.

Pacioretty, Moen and Metropolit are on.

So we have two set lines, really.  Plekanec, Cammalleri and Andrei.  And then Pacioretty, Moen and Metropolit.

The rest is interchangeable.

Certain parties are starting to recall that there is a level of urgency that is worth applying.

Gill and Cammalleri nearly set up a scoring chance for the Hurricanes.  Unseen puck bounced the wrong way.

Just under thirteen minutes.

Kostitsyn nearly scores.  Andrei.  Drove down.  Shot.  Puck wasn’t controlled well.  And the second whack was what created some trouble for Carolina.

Markov starts a three-on-two.  And Pouliot is too slow to reach the third pass, a finisher from Gomez.  They discuss it on the bench afterward and Gomez’ demeanour is that of a welcoming leader.  I like it.

Staal came in on a breakaway.  Halak turned it away.  It looked rather casual.  Staal’s shot was rather telegraphed.  What do you expect from a guy with his chops?  Peter Criss of the one-on-one game.

Travis Moen is called for roughing.

Carolina fails early and then they force Halak to make a good save followed by two good moves and a smother.

Halfway point of the period.  And seven seconds later, the halfway point of the power-play.

Halak is looking very sharp.  Carolina applies continued pressure.  Markov captures the puck and lofts it very high backhanded.  And somehow it goes over the glass on the Carolina end.  Uncommon.  And a delay of game penalty.

Paul Maurice calls a timeout for his Hurricanes.

Cullen nearly scores.  Off a centring pass.  Looked like a great crossing save from Halak.  And I mean great.

Puck is cleared.

Too many men on the ice.  Carolina is called.  What the hell.  How does that happen?  It’s an unwelcome break, somehow.

So we go to four-on-four.  Pouliot and Metropolit are the first pairing.

Pouliot is working well, poking, passing and searching.  Nothing bad to report.  He has good size and seems to play with his head up and anticipating well.

Montreal goes to a power-play now.  About one minute’s worth.

Canadiens power-play is looking very different with Markov in the mix.  Cammalleri wheels like a peregrine, Bergeron tees up or passes like a fluid android and Markov is the mage.   Good puck movement and about three quality chances in the segment.

Under five minutes left in the second period.

We’re back to five-on-five. Carolina exit pass is intercepted.  Next one is better and they work it down for a nothing possession.  It’s behind Montreal’s net.

Metropolit generates pressure on his own and his knocked down.  It’s going to be called.  Delayed call.  Moen supports and then turns and passes it back for Pacioretty.  Centring pass results in a shot.  And a freeze.

Just under three minutes.

Spacek on the point.  Power-play of course.

High puck from the point goes off Cam Ward’s glove.  Hurricanes push it out.

Pacioretty and Gomez work to keep it in.  Metropolit goes from forehand to backhand from the side of the net to the front.  Shot.  In.

Montreal 5, Carolina 1.

Just under two minutes left.

Markov gives it away and Halak turns away another breakaway shot.  This giveaway was to the Montreal slot.  A-whoops.  Puck flipped off his stick.

Dump-in results in line changes with about fifty seconds left.

Plekanec line is on.  He works to push it down the boards.  They keep it in.

Seventeen seconds.  It’s pushed out.

Whistle, too.

End of period.  Halak’s mask is compelling.  And Martin has a mauve dress shirt.

Shots favour Carolina 32-21.

Second Intermission

Montreal 5, Carolina 1

We get some replays from Joel and Jacques.

Third Period

Montreal 5, Carolina 1

Carolina wins the opening faceoff and they clear it down where Markov is able to retrieve it.  But a few shots are forthcoming and Halak has to make one quality save.  Pacioretty carries it out but there is a logistics whistle in the neutral zone.

One minute elapsed.

Line two.  Andrei retrieves the puck from behind the Hurricane net.  This after Plekanec moved the puck into the zone.

Rush the other way led to a stoppage in play and a near-scrum.  But Laraque joined the group and spoke with Kostopoulos.  And nothing came of it.  Laraque remains the heavyweight champion of the league.  And Tom played it wise.

Cam Ward chases the puck from the corner to the front of his net.  He was lucky to survive the moment.

Sixteen minutes.  Only bad things can happen for Montreal.  That’s the pessimist’s take.  The good things might be; increased goaltending heat.  Maybe some goals from players that need them?

The rest is bad, yes.  Injuries.  Carolina goals.  Who knows.  The next fifteen minutes seem unnecessary.

Carolina controls.  Montreal wakes up.  Andrei has it deep.  Grabs it.  Steers and is relieved of the puck.  Gets it again and heads out of the slot, turns and shoots.  Wide.

Delayed penalty against the Hurricanes.  Halak leaves the net.  Jaroslav Spacek was brought down by Jussi Jokinen in the Montreal zone.  They call it high-sticking.

Twenty second control.  They all touch the puck.  Cammalleri, Kostitsyn (Andrei) and Plekanec with Markov and Bergeron are on the first wave.  Pacioretty, Metropolit and Gomez are on the second wave.

Then some allowances and Carolina gets a backhand chance from the slot. Halak provides his fortieth save.

Scrum.  Following a whistle.  Not much.  Gill has to go to the box for a cross-check.

Halfway mark of the third.

Carolina controls well.  Montreal waits.  Plekanec and Moen are the first pairing.

Cullen shoots after about fifteen Carolina passes. Distance shot from the middle.  Halak makes a good save.

Carolina keeps it trapped.  Long shot.

Wallin leads a rush.  Ruutu ends with a shot that goes high.

Crowd reacts as a fight nearly starts near the team benches.  Gill was involved but the fight doesn’t occur.

Cullen with a long shot again.  Board battle.  Good guys win but they ice it.  Yeah, the good guys.  It’s the X-mas season.  Christmas, bah.  “I want the good old days, blah, blah”.  Lots of people are tired of all the changes to their little parochial worlds, eh.

Just over six minutes.  Montreal is playing with verve and interest.  Carolina wants this game, and probably this season, to go away.

Moen works it ahead with some carpenter magic.  Saws, dust and some boards.  And some hack.  We are back in Montreal territory not long afterward, however.

Four and a half minutes left in the game.

Pucks are slapped, watched and an all-star agreement of sorts takes place.  Then D’Agostini gets in unexpectedly.  Awkwardly and very slowly turns to drop it.  Too slow.  And defenders mess up the inner workings.

It was behind Laraque and he doesn’t have the speed and flexibility to correct that kind of play.

Just under two minutes.

Dump-in is pursued by Pacioretty who centres to nobody.  It’s a Carolina send-off instead.  But they are reversed in the neutral zone.

Just over a minute left.

We see a range of itchy faces on the Montreal bench.  Calm in victory.

Time expires.

Montreal 5
Carolina 1

HDS Stars: Jaroslav Halak, Glen Metropolit, Tomas Plekanec
RDS Stars: Tomas Plekanec, Andrei Kostitsyn, Glen Metropolit