1) Had it run through Max Pacioretty's mind, in that moment against the Florida Panthers in which he realized something was too wrong with his wrist to return to the game, that he may miss the two games he's had circled on his calender since the schedule was released?
"Absolutely," said Pacioretty after a dominant performance against the Flyers last night.
In addition to the emotion of this experience, Pacioretty relishes the opportunity to play against a team over which he's been statistically excellent.
"I've always had success against Boston, and now with my whole experience, I've got a bit more motivation."
Scary to think Pacioretty could be more motivated than he's already shown.
2) On the day Pacioretty was cleared for contact, the Canadiens gave their annual post-mortem with the press.
On that day, he said with full confidence that he would return and be better than he ever was.
At the time, you could've interpreted it as a pep-talk to himself; the fuel stimulating his approach to a very difficult rehabilitation--from both a mental, and a physical perspective.
With 4 goals and 5 assists in 9 games, at +2 and an average of 16:33 of ice-time/game, this is the best Pacioretty has ever played.
Sure, he played the game in a very similar capacity, shortly before his brutal injury. But this...this is another level.
3) One of the reasons Pacioretty's had success and turned his career around from where it was headed after his first experiences in the NHL: David Desharnais.
The Canadiens diminutive centreman wins more battles than he loses. His offensive awareness is instinctual, and his ability to control the game when he's on is extremely impressive for a player of such limited NHL experience.
It was with Desharnais, in Hamilton, that Pacioretty unlocked the true potential of his game.
Together, they have been Montreal's most influential duo thus far.
4) Couldn't help expressing in the coach's conference last night that perhaps Yannick Weber would be receiving a great deal more attention if the Canadiens hadn't been embroiled in one of the stinkiest losing streaks in their 100+ years of existence.
Martin agrees.
You have to give the kid credit. He's waited for his opportunity to prove he can be a dependable defenseman, and he's responded with two huge powerplay goals and a team-leading +5.
5) How good is Jaromir Jagr?
I asked Kirk Maltby, who scouts for the Red Wings and was in town to take in the game.
"Talk to me in 40 games,"
Reasonable logic on that. From a grinder like Maltby, you have to consider that he knows the rigors of an 82-game season all too well.
He added the following in his assessment:
"He's moving well, and despite the Flyers play his effort hasn't really dipped at all in this game. One thing he'll never lose is his ability to protect the puck, and I liked the little how-she-do on Hal."
I asked Maltby what he thought of Pacioretty, and he offered what we may not notice in our amazement that he's playing with a torn ligament in his wrist:
"Thought he started the game pretty slow and was tentative until he scored. Then he got another one, and the best part of his game kicked in after that--probably trying to go for the hat-trick."
P.S. Maltby is unfortunately unavailable for fourth line duty...
6) Here's a thought: Habs go into Boston tonight and leave with a better record than the Bruins. Sure the Bruins will have a game in-hand (not that those come into play at this stage of the season), but what if the Habs win today and on Saturday.
Suppose a Boston assistant coach will be fired?
7) My take on Perry Pearn:
Change for the sake of change. Plain and simple.
The Canadiens had Randy Ladouceur in the press box up until last night, and they had a failing powerplay, a brutal penalty kill and a blue line that wasn't being managed effectively.
Though Gauthier expressed very clearly that his decision was not intended to be a reflection of Pearn's work, his work ethic or lack thereof. If Pearn's performance wasn't to blame for his firing then surely Gauthier can admit he's changing things up just for the sake of it.
I wouldn't call it a bandaid.
Unlike many members of the fanbase, I don't believe the Canadiens have a systemic problem. That's not to say they can't do a better job of managing in-game adjustments, but
I really feel the difference between wins and losses this year has been execution.
The idea behind firing Pearn was simple: We have another coach at our disposal. If we win two of three, or all three against Philly and Boston it'll be as though we took a proactive stance and stopped the bleeding.
If it leads to consistency for the Canadiens beyond these three games, the move can be seen as the catalyst to healing.
8) I'm rarely right on predictions, but sometimes it's fun to take a chance:
Tonight will be P.K. Subban's best game of the season.
9) The Canadiens may not beat the Bruins tonight, but I'll make another prediction-- they'll have their game in order for this one.
10) "I remember thinking about having to face Crosby and Malkin (in my first game)." That was Price on what he remembered of his first National Hockey League win.
Fitting he would get his 100th against neighboring Philadelphia. What a relief he can put this milestone behind him, quipping that the order came "from somewhere high up" to shed the unlucky pink pads he lost every game with.
He was either referring to the 7th floor of the Bell Centre, or to the Heavens.
Montreal Canadiens Blogger • 
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