Wanna blog? Start your own hockey blog with My HockeyBuzz. Register for free today!
 

Cracking the Carolina Curse...

November 24, 2011, 9:46 AM ET [ Comments]
Steven Hindle
Montreal Canadiens Blogger • RSSArchiveCONTACT
Overcoming the Force of a Hurricane


Coming back to snag a 4-3 shootout win over the Carolina Hurricanes courtesy of Montreal Canadiens captain Brian Gionta's shootout winner, most folks would tell you that it's been awhile since the Habs have shown any dominance over the 'Canes.

The victory marked the 2nd straight for the Canadiens over these Hurricanes and their 5th win in their last 6 tries against an opponent who had been nothing but trouble since the lockout.

Prior to 2010-11, the Carolina Hurricanes had amassed a scorching record of 18-5-1-2 over the Habs, including playoffs.

So, if anyone were to mention the name of the former Hartford Whalers, it would be understandable to for fans to immediately think of the Koivu injury, the blown playoff series and the numerous games where Eric Staal and company simply had their way with the Canadiens.

Well, since the start of last season, these Habs have slowly begun to figure out how to beat these Hurricanes.

Winning 3 of 4 last year, outscoring the 'Canes 16-13 in the process, it appeared as though the Habs had finally them out.

Of course, adding Erik Cole in the off-season, a perennial Hab-killer, certainly helped their cause as Cole has done his very best to become a 'Cane-killer, helping the Canadiens in already earning a split in the season series, at the very least.
nov-24-Habs-vs-CAR-momBuilding Blocks

Beating the 'Canes in a shootout last night can definitely be considered pulling one from the fire as the Canadiens allowed two quick goals early in the 1st period, catching Carey Price and the rest of his teammates seemingly off-guard, only to fight their way back to even (twice) before getting the better of Cam Ward.

It wasn't an easy win, but one that demonstrated a lot of character for a club that has been toying with the notion of being better than .500.

Back above the high-water mark, it seems the Canadiens are building up steam once again as they have now won 5 of their last 8 games, but, more importantly, of those 8 games, 4 have gone to overtime and the Habs have won 3 of those 4.

A major part of the recent turnaround is tied to their penalty kill on the road. Directly influencing their strong play on the road, the Canadiens boast the best PK away from the Bell Center and the 3rd strongest unit in the NHL.

Given the swath of injuries to have hit their blue line, that is far more impressive than most would realize.

Finally, the ultimate sign of progress has to be in the team's never-say-die attitude.

They've been involved in almost each and every game this season, win or lose, and with a goaltender who seems to be bent on winning 1st Star of the Week every week throughout the NHL's regular season, last night's comeback win was yet another affirmation of the confidence this group is building.



Happy Thanksgiving to everyone in the States!


www.twitter.com/StevenHindle
[email protected]
Join the Discussion: » Comments » Post New Comment
More from Steven Hindle
» Unfrozen Assets: Habs Buyout Kaberle
» 6 Picks, 3 Rounds, 1 Future
» Hockey and Diabetes
» Tools, Assets and Needs
» The Subban Effect