Liveblog: Canadiens own third period, beat Lightning 4-3

MalonePrice

Your Montreal Canadiens NEVER quit.
With their emotional lkeader, Brandon Prust, in the room with a shoulder injury, the Canadiens outshot the home team 13-2 in the third period and got goals from Brian Gionta, Alexei Emelin and Brendan Gallagher to erase a 3-1 deficit.
The win was the third of their road trip and moved the Canadiens back atop the Eastern Conference standings.

Tampa Bay’s attack – one of the NHL’s most potent – did not get a shot on goal in the third period until 18 minutes had elapsed.

By then, the Canadiens had 13 shots and three goals.

P.K. Subban, the workhorse of the D corps,  played 27:42.

Michael Ryder had five SoG and two assists.

On a night of misery in the faceoff circle, call-up Gabriel Dumont went 8-4 … and saw ice time while the Canadiens were protecting their lead.

Tampa Bay is sinking like a stone in the Southeast Division. And after that third-period no-show in his team’s own barn, nd Guy Boucher might want to avoid buying green bananas.

 

1,086 Comments

  1. strunzo says:

    Prust got hurt on a nothing play trying to negate an icing call that he had no chance of doing. Players have to stop that stuff if the league won’t change the automatic icing rule. Another stupid rule, the Eller penalty for batting the puck with is hand on a face off. Who brought this rule in, Moe, Larry or Curly?

  2. Scotty90 says:

    Prust is out for a week or two from what i read here but I think the team will continue to play their best and then some to not let him down…. thats what my gut is telling me anyway. That said… with Boston coming in a couple of weeks Bergevin HAS to do something…especially if Prust is still out…..He’s all we’ve got and now he’s hurt! Otherwise, sit the Gallies because they’ll be easy prey!

    Haven’t been on in a long time …… How do I get my picture\avatar on here?

  3. vander10 says:

    Love how fans in 2nd period trash talking there own team then at end of game praising them 1st class respect

  4. billylove says:

    Are the injuries gonna slow the Habs? I don’t think so. IMHO, the Habs will continue to improve and before this journey ends, they will have given us a great ride. MT pulls rabbits out of his arse faster than the Count reaching for another scrap of paper. He’s had a response for every challenge. Whatever he’s sayin is gospel because it’s workin and the players know it. If 8′s shoulder isn’t bad, the time off may be good for him and when/if we get Diaz, and/or Bourqe back, we should be primed for a strong finish. MT will keep the d serviceable and our o can apply the pressure. Here we go!

  5. mike3131 says:

    Wow what a comeback W! This team is far from perfect, but they just don’t know how to give up! Just a couple minor adjustments to be made such as better faceoff coverage in the D-zone and not having Markov play 25 mins per game and hell we’ll be contenders for a long time. Hats off to management and coaching staff!

    https://twitter.com/mikelangerr

  6. mike3131 says:

    Only saw the first period but when I watched the highlights, I noticed Desjardins switched his Pads after the 1st period. Any word on why? (I’m a goalie, just curious)

    https://twitter.com/mikelangerr

  7. angelomosh says:

    Any update on Prust injury??
    Didn’t look good

  8. Clay says:

    1 regulation loss in the last 14 games…yes, you read that right. One.

    __________________________
    ☞ The first principle is that you must not fool yourself, and you are the easiest person to fool. ~ Richard Feynman ☜

  9. Prairienewf says:

    “Courage” Cal. “Courage”

  10. Prairienewf says:

    Oops! Failed concussion test!

  11. Cal says:

    Have to say this team has balls. There is no quit. They are scoring goals from the dirty areas, and tonight’s game winner by Gallagher was just reward for sacrificing his body all night. Loved the 3rd period push back. Are the Habs for real?
    I hear tell of ghosts materializing at Bell Center, up in the rafters where the Stanley Cup pennants fly…

    http://calshabsongparodies.weebly.com

  12. Prairienewf says:

    Hopefully bergy makes a trade for Corson.

  13. Prairienewf says:

    Sad bill. Lol

  14. Prairienewf says:

    “Pleks”

  15. Prairienewf says:

    Prust says he expects to be out about a week. Uh oh! Gonna be a test. Hop on Gallagher and peeks back I guess.

  16. durocher says:

    Went to the game tonight; some observations:
    - Emelin was a beast; his hits drew several “oohs” from the crowd
    - Tough to see Prust hurt; the race for icing looked harmless, but clearly he was in pain
    - Gally11 had a fantastic third, driving straight to the net on a couple of plays
    - Dumont acquitted himself quite well and deserves more games; he was in the face of TB players and isn’t afraid of mixing it up. Plus he was 8 for 12 on faceoffs (a team weakness)
    - Pateryn played pretty well for his first NHL game; he whiffed on one shot, but hey, at least he didn’t make any critical errors.
    - Moen and Army are the least productive or useful players on the team, hate to say
    - Overall, it was an amazing third for the team: TB had two shots in the 3rd, and they came in the last minute or two.
    - TB fans are a bunch of goobers. To quote Charles Emerson Winchester III, they are like petroleum: crude and unrefined. “Sit down, clown!” and “We don’t like your kind here” are two of the choice comments I heard yelled at Habs fans.

    Go Habs Go!

  17. HAB - Have A Beer says:

    When you have injuries that’s when you find out how good your team really is plus it gives another player a chance to show his stuff.

    Hope prust is OK. To me he’s the driving force on the team. Injuries happen and you have to move on. Ottawa is a good example and they’re playing pretty good.

    Good game tonight Guys. Keep it going.

  18. YoNiko says:

    Prust out about a week as per TVA sports reporter JP

  19. DDO_Habs_Fan says:

    Prust quoted by TVA that he expects to miss a week…phew!

    “You’re always, always, always looking to make your team better. Always.”- Marc Bergevin

  20. DDO_Habs_Fan says:

    Didn’t notice Pateryn…that’s good. Dumont came as advertised. Won faceoffs and was gritty. Only credited with 2 hits but definitely had more. Also was open many times in front of the net but given his linemates, he had a better chance getting a pass from Price…

    “You’re always, always, always looking to make your team better. Always.”- Marc Bergevin

  21. The Jackal says:

    Stamkos may score a lot of goals but that did not save TB tonight or most nights this season. No thanks, I’ll keep Price

    Big scorers are nice but trading for them is always a rip off. Draft one and stick to team scoring.

    • Chuck says:

      Problem is that to draft a guy like Stamkos your team has to REALLY suck.

      ___________________________________________________
      Being a Hab fan is like buying real estate: only over the long-haul will you appreciate the true value of your investment.

    • deuce6 says:

      Agreed, it is always better to keep your franchise goalie and develop your own scorers (Gallagher/Pacioretty/Desharnais)..

      They cost way too much..

      ——————

      Yes, I’m a Hab fan..Wanna fight about it?

    • habsfan0 says:

      Yes. While it may not be a fair analogy,Habs are in 1st place with Price,TB is life and death to make the playoffs with Stamkos.

    • DDO_Habs_Fan says:

      Yeah…Chicago has a franchise goalie…it is not accurate to judge players individually based on the performance of their teams.

      “You’re always, always, always looking to make your team better. Always.”- Marc Bergevin

    • jedimyrmidon says:

      Stamkos is a very rare talent.

      When you have a player that scores 60 (60!) goals and your team still ends up drafting 10th overall, you know there are some problems.

  22. 24 Cups says:

    Gionta. Captain. Enough said.

  23. HardHabits says:

    Done Cherry back in ’93. When homophobia was politically correct.

    • DDO_Habs_Fan says:

      This guy wears outlandish jackets that look like drapes and Gorges is the one getting slandered by rumours…

      “You’re always, always, always looking to make your team better. Always.”- Marc Bergevin

  24. Chuck says:

    Why is Don Cherry wearing a Kelly Hrudy bandana?

    ___________________________________________________
    Being a Hab fan is like buying real estate: only over the long-haul will you appreciate the true value of your investment.

  25. Strummer says:

    Tanguay scores off a nice tic- tac- toe play

    ______________________________________________________
    “It’s just an opinion – I could be wrong”

  26. tonypepperoni says:

    Its never going to happen Price for Stamkos. Some of you guys must be speaking while under the influence of alcohol. Price ain’t going anywhere. I would not complain if we were to get Iggy or Clowe in a habs uniform.

  27. doug19 says:

    Where was Vincent tonight? Does he still earn 10 million a year?

  28. DDO_Habs_Fan says:

    PK 27 minutes again. MT riding the horse…

    “You’re always, always, always looking to make your team better. Always.”- Marc Bergevin

  29. Storm says:

    We better sign Dietz soon every team in the league will ask for this kid’s rights in any trade Bergevin tries to make, he is playing unbelievable hockey over the past 22 games, plus 29, with 12 goals, and 16 assists, playing like the MVP in WHL, GREAT STEAL AGAIN IN THE 5TH ROUND

    • Bill says:

      No danger, Habs own his rights for a while, he’ll sign this year.

      Full Breezer 4 Life

      • Storm says:

        They have to sign him by June 1st, but from what i hear he really wants to sign with Habs, and Bergevin told his agent he will get it done, does not like to distract Junior aged players until there season is over, but Dietz will be playing into the summer in Memorial Cup, so sign him as he is exploding with talent, great skill set of toughness skating , great shot and leadership abilities to the max

        • Bill says:

          They’ll sign him. He has no incentive to reenter the draft. Habs are known as a good organization … would he want to play for columbus? lol

          Full Breezer 4 Life

          • Chuck says:

            That’s a great negotiating tactic: “Sign with us, or I’ll trade your rights to Columbus!”

            ___________________________________________________
            Being a Hab fan is like buying real estate: only over the long-haul will you appreciate the true value of your investment.

  30. Danno says:

    Who’s in nets tomorrow?

    ________________________________________

    “Hey Richard, two minutes for looking so good!”
    Updates, highlights & great discussions on all things Habs

  31. B says:

    Saskatoon wins in OT, Dietz scores his 23rd.

    Kristo scores his 21st, tied 1-1 in the 3rd.

    –Go Habs Go!–

  32. habs-hampton says:

    I’m not blaming Prust, but he had no chance of beating that icing play. I guess theres just no quit in the guy.
    Didn’t the Expos make Carter a catcher so he’d stop running into the outfield wall?

  33. Danno says:

    RDS AntiCHambre seems to be indicating Prust is doubtful for tomorrow but day-to-day and not as serious as some feared it might be

    ________________________________________

    “Hey Richard, two minutes for looking so good!”
    Updates, highlights & great discussions on all things Habs

  34. Chuck says:

    If it ends up being really bad, maybe Pacioretty can do some sort of Wolverine healing thingy to Prust’s shoulder.

    ___________________________________________________
    Being a Hab fan is like buying real estate: only over the long-haul will you appreciate the true value of your investment.

  35. habsfan0 says:

    Trade deadline in 3 weeks.
    Would you make this one…

    Price for Stamkos.

    I wouldn’t.

    • Storm says:

      I would even throw in Budaj, and make Gorges and Ryder Play nets

    • Adam says:

      Budaj is not a starter. Unless you have another deal for somebody who can fill that spot adequately (clearly not at Price’s level), you’re screwing the team until they can draft and develop someone.
      I don’t see any candidates available for UFA over the next few years who will actually hit the market.
      So while I’d love the best pure goal scorer in the game, you can’t afford a hole that big in goal.

    • Trisomy 21 says:

      Tough one…. I think I’m a homer, but I don’t think Budaj could do the job, we would need a real goalie.

      We’d wind up like Philly
      No

      Edit: though I wonder if I could pull off a Tinordi + Beaulieu for Luongo… But Gillis would laugh at me and then I’d be told by my assistants that I need to be weary of the cap

    • DDO_Habs_Fan says:

      Of course you make that trade. Love Price but Stamkos is turning into one of the greatest goal scorers of all time. 51, 45 and 60 goal seasons and he is only 23 years old. Price is good but not THAT good.

      “You’re always, always, always looking to make your team better. Always.”- Marc Bergevin

      • habsfan0 says:

        I completely agree….however..
        At this point in their respective careers,Stamkos is a better,more consistent player at his position than Price is at his.
        However,come playoff time,it’s your goaltending that usually makes the difference and the Habs wouldn’t have anyone to replace Price’s minutes.

        • DDO_Habs_Fan says:

          MB would find a suitable goalie. He’s not Holmgren…

          “You’re always, always, always looking to make your team better. Always.”- Marc Bergevin

    • TheLogician says:

      “Price for Stamkos.

      I wouldn’t.”

      so apparently there were *four* stooges.

    • Bill says:

      Big Price fan. I would do it. 60 goal scorers are a lot rarer than good goalies.

      Full Breezer 4 Life

    • jedimyrmidon says:

      I would.

      Puts a huge hole in the team that would definitely need to be addressed somehow.

      But man, Stamkos and Galchenyuk. That would be insanity for years to come.

  36. DDO_Habs_Fan says:

    Kaberle was terrible defensively again…oops…don’t have to say that tonight… :)

    “You’re always, always, always looking to make your team better. Always.”- Marc Bergevin

    • Storm says:

      No but the team Kaberlayed an egg in the 2nd period again

      • DDO_Habs_Fan says:

        Yeah they had some brain farts in the second. What was Max doing on that play when he lost his stick? At least cover the point man. That guy had 1/2 hour to shoot…

        “You’re always, always, always looking to make your team better. Always.”- Marc Bergevin

  37. Danno says:

    Do we have depth? Yes or no?

    ________________________________________

    “Hey Richard, two minutes for looking so good!”
    Updates, highlights & great discussions on all things Habs

  38. Storm says:

    I think i want one of these Kings uniforms for some shinny outside

  39. habsfan0 says:

    Cammalleri has 9 goals.

    Pas mal.

  40. krob1000 says:

    First game in how long without Kaberle/Diaz or Weber? We have 3 very similar guys…and the extra puck mover was missed at times but who would have thought all 3 would not play?

  41. The Jackal says:

    @novahab – would be nice to have him but we are better off not paying the price

  42. DDO_Habs_Fan says:

    I rather have a third period team than a second period team…

    “You’re always, always, always looking to make your team better. Always.”- Marc Bergevin

  43. Thomas Le Fan says:

    Great comeback win! I’m hoping Prust’s shoulder isn’t dislocated. Didn’t look good. Go Habs!

  44. commandant says:

    Price only made 2 saves in the third period.

    He’s not a clutch goalie.

    Go Habs Go!
    Check out Top Shelf Prospects, my Team by Team prospect reports
    http://lastwordonsports.com/

  45. Chuck says:

    Give me the L.A. purples over those Calgary unis any day.
    ___________________________________________________
    Being a Hab fan is like buying real estate: only over the long-haul will you appreciate the true value of your investment.

  46. Storm says:

    Is Marcel Dionne playing tonight

  47. Danno says:

    Michel Therien’s pressers are really informative

    ________________________________________

    “Hey Richard, two minutes for looking so good!”
    Updates, highlights & great discussions on all things Habs

  48. Chuck says:

    Seems like every time I put our little one to bed, we end up with at least a point. I have a feeling that I’m not going to end up seeing a lot of hockey in the playoffs. :)

    ___________________________________________________
    Being a Hab fan is like buying real estate: only over the long-haul will you appreciate the true value of your investment.

  49. matt jordan says:

    It looks like the Habs are lining up to play the Leafs in the playoffs…

  50. issie74 says:

    Why did Pleks shoot from an impossible angle at the empty net,he should have held the puck and circled the net,at the every least he would have controlled the play in the oppositions end with an empty net under a minute to go.
    Dumb play.

    NorthTOHab

  51. lavie says:

    The best Defense is good Offense. The 3rd period proved it.

  52. habs-hampton says:

    what did MT say about Prust?

  53. Bill H says:

    Injuries are catching up to the Canadiens. Can they keep winning without Prust?

    We can only hope that it is a short term injury.

    Any word on Bourque and Diaz? Bourque has been out 8 games now, Diaz 6 games. Hopefully we will hear that they are back on skates when the team returns to Brossard.

    Our strong point – our scoring continues to come from just about any player. Gorges last game, Emelin this evening. Prust, Gally, Pleks, Subban, Gionta, Paciorretty, DD, Eller, etc. We will be that much stronger when Bourque and Diaz return.

  54. HabFab says:

    dogsplaybyplay – Patrick Holland scores game-tying & game-winning goals in 3-1 @BulldogsAHL win! Of his 7 goals this season, @PattyShwayz has 4 GTG & 3 GWG!

    Looks like Holland is Mr Clutch!

  55. Strummer says:

    Don’t feel bad for Prust if you’ve seen who he has to nurse him at home

    ______________________________________________________
    “It’s just an opinion – I could be wrong”

  56. filincal says:

    Is it me, or did Prust look like he was in pain before he slammed into the boards?

  57. Prairienewf says:

    true habsfan, Ryder was picked up to score goals but instead has six helpers in six games. He’s beginning to become more consistent grit-wise, in the corners etc. Like to see some goals though but he’s contributing and thats what most important

  58. w.p.d says:

    Man, nobody does ceremonies like Montreal.

  59. krob1000 says:

    I would love to know how the ice was in that corner in Tampa….it was odd Prust went in the way he did and I can;t imaging Tampa ice being that great

  60. Prairienewf says:

    Other than one shift Max Pac didn’t seem involved at all. He’s a lot like that. Little Gallagher doing all the net crashing on that line.

  61. Storm says:

    Old style Kings uniforms tonight adjust your color to full vivid awesome uniforms

  62. The Dude says:

    Our best Player is OUT for a while,time to get CLOWE!

    • krob1000 says:

      Our best player held the game close at 3-1….then our next best player went 11 and 4 in faceoff circle, was a plus 2 and scored teh first goal. Our best player tonight though was Ryder…bya country mile. Others had moments but he was dangerous from start to finish.

      • deuce6 says:

        Prust has been our most consistent player..

        ——————

        Yes, I’m a Hab fan..Wanna fight about it?

        • krob1000 says:

          I would still say Price and Pleks have been the most consistent…Prust has had off games too…they just don’t stand out like a top center or goaltender. Prust has been great but let’s not kid ourselves….his impact is not comparable to Price or Pleks.

        • Empty Calories and Male Curiosity says:

          Offensively? No. No he hasn’t. Not even close.

          Prust’s biggest contribution is in his grit. His offense has been a pretty big revelation thus far, but if you think he’s been more important than Patches, Pleks, Gallagher, or even Pernell Karl than you are deluding yourself.

          This team is built well enough that there is only one injury that would spell imminent doom, and that would be one to Carey Price.

  63. HabFab says:

    For all the negative talk, Ryder has 6 points in 6 games.

  64. lavie says:

    I saw Subban and Price still do the Single High Five, which should be banned. :(

  65. habstrinifan says:

    I dont know how to react after this win. I am beginning to feel unsure of where the HABS really are. Dont get me wrong… loved the win… but something’s creeping into their game.

  66. Storm says:

    I think Prust tore or partially tore is labrum or something in his shoulder a few games ago, and now it is probably completely torn, that is my guess, although could be a dislocation as well,, but i am betting on something torn which he aggravated tonight

  67. habs-hampton says:

    i see that TSN has fixed that typo and Montreal is back on top in the standings.

  68. Ghosts of the Forum says:

    Not exactly a stirring ovation for Hrudey

  69. w.p.d says:

    It’s no surprise to see that the only person that could take Prust out was Prust himself.

  70. tonypepperoni says:

    The habs still are first in the east. This team is for real. To all the hab bashers or so called fans they made you eat your words again tonight. Go habs Go..

  71. Trisomy 21 says:

    Okay, I said “call me when the Canadiens start to play” after the second period. WHY DID NO ONE CALL ME? I MISSED A GOOD PERIOD?!

  72. Storm says:

    I think Prust has been playing with a damaged shoulder for a few games now, i noticed a few games back he was favoring his shoulder after shifts, but he is that type of player, i think he will be out for a couple of weeks


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