Whenever two Original Six franchises play each other there's always a buzz in the air. That was the case Friday night as the Montreal Canadiens paid a visit to the UC.
The Hawks got off to a fast start and opened the scoring just over two minutes into the game, by way of old man river Michal Rozsival. Late in the period, Ben Smith added your typical grinder goal to give the Hawks a 2-0 lead. The two goal lead didn't last long, as Montreal cut the lead in half just 28 seconds later.
The momentum from the late goal at the end of the first period continued over into the second for the Habs. The Canadiens added two more goals to give them a 3-2 lead after the second period.
The Hawks managed to battle back in the third period. El Captain pushed a loose puck across the goal line to tie the game at three. Then with just under 30 seconds remaining, Brandon Saad added some dollar signs to his name and netted what turned out to be the game winner, giving the Hawks a 4-3 win over the Habs.
The Awesome
- This is an honorable mention for Gatekeeper, Brandon Saad's beard is awesome. It puts our playoff beards to shame.
The Good
- The Hawks first goal, strictly because of this line; Rozsival from Bickell and Shaw
- Brad Richards and Kris Versteeg continued racking up the points. We're finally starting to see some chemistry. See what happens when you take your finger off the line blender.
- It may have only been 1 of 5, but still the power play tallied another goal. This is something I'd like to get used to seeing.
- I'll give an honorable mention to Carey Price. If it wasn't for him, the final score could have easily 6 or 7 to 3.
The Bad
- Antti Raanta's rebound control was all over the place. Its a work in progress, but sooner or later its going to bite the Hawks in the ass.
- The Hawks allowed 41 shots to Montreal. You'd like to see that total come down just a little.
- Sergei Gonchar scored. Seriously, Sergei Gonchar scored.
The Ugly
- Blowing a 2-0 lead is never a good thing. To make matters worse, the Hawks allowed three straight goals to the Habs before they responded. Yes, in the end the Hawks won, but that's something that normally doesn't happen. Count your blessings.
- Speaking of blowing the lead, nice shift by the Hawks after taking a 2-0 lead. Allowing the Habs to score a late period goal, shifted the momentum to the side of the Habs, and it showed in the 2nd period.
- David Rundblad was a +2 on the night, which I didn't want to see. 1. because I wanted to see Klas Dahlbeck play, and 2. it probably means Rundblad will play Saturday night in Nashville.
- The "tripping" call on Patrick Kane was a joke, but I still say no to expanding instant replay.
- Apparently now any time Hossa hits the ice, we have to hold our breath.
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