MONTREAL, QUEBEC – In many ways it should come as little surprise to see the start of the Stanley Cup play-offs lift Montreal. With such a magnificent history, the city loves the play-offs, and in many ways, the play-offs love the city. It’s certainly still strange to see a post season without the Canadiens strutting their stuff.
But after a mediocre season, which also saw Habs legend Bob Gainey step down as GM, few gave the club much hope against the Washington Capitals, who fired their way to their first Presidents Trophy this season.
Despite a surprise overtime win in game 1, the Caps fought back in game 2, chased Jaroslav Halak in game 3 and then dominated game 4 as well. But Halak returned for game 5 and stopped 37 shots to help Montreal keep the series alive with a 2-1 win. Washington still hold the advantage going in to game 6, having a series lead of 3-2, but the Bell Centre is sure to become one of the most hostile arenas yet seen in this years play-offs.
Once again the Habs’ hopes seem to rest in their own end, and specifically with Halak. In both of the Habs wins during the series he has been superb, and with the likes of Hal Gill stepping up the Habs do have an outside chance.
The team has outperformed Washington in the opening period of every game so far. But holding a lead has sometimes been a problem against the sheer offensive power the Capitals possess. If Montreal, and perhaps more specifically Halak, can hold an early lead the pressure switches squarely on to Washington, who likely will not relish the idea of a seventh game, particularly with a potentially physical battle ahead against Philadelphia in round 2, should the Caps advance.
Washington’s hopes are again laid at the feet of their offensive leaders. Alexander Ovechkin and Mike Green will of course come in to play here, but also the likes of Nicklas Backstrom, who has been somewhat over shadowed by the Russian superstar playing along side him this season. Backstrom has 9 points (5+4) during the series, including that vital game 2 overtime winner, and has probable been the Caps most consistent player from the first face-off of the clash.
Contact the author: rob.mcgregor@prohockeynews.com
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