It was the first line change of the game, and the Rangers were making it while P.K. Subban held the puck at his own blue line. It was the first mistake of the game, and it cost the Rangers a goal, as Michael Ryder banked a puck off the end boards, off the net and back to himself, depositing behind Martin Biron who was left alone on the play as Steve Eminger struggled to find his bearings.
From that point forward, the Rangers put up a fight in the first period, but with Carey Price on top of his game, their fight fizzled. It was all Canadiens, as Tomas Plekanec and Brendan Gallagher put the nail in the proverbial coffin.
Whatever the Rangers didn't bring to the party, the Canadiens had in spades. In addition to Price's sensational performance, Subban affirmed his legitimate claim to a Norris nomination, notching points 25, 26 and 27 in game 28 of his season.
Brandon Prust--he who missed the previous eight games with a shoulder separation--brought some great energy to the Canadiens. The team was thrilled to have him back, especially fresh off a win against their biggest rivals, the Boston Bruins.
Gallagher continued his bid for the Calder Trophy with an incredible effort to score the insurance marker. When Jack Todd of the Gazette asked Michel Therrien after the game if he enjoyed watching Gallagher play, you couldn't wipe the smile off the coach's face.
In fact, Therrien was pretty much all smiles in describing the commitment his team has made to winning hockey. Why wouldn't he be? With 14 games remaining, his team is 2nd in the conference, one point up on the Bruins who have now played the same amount of games. With two games in hand, the Canadiens are only six points back of a Pittsburgh Penguins team that's won 15-straight games. A Penguins team that just lost Sidney Crosby for the rest of the regular season.
When asked about the energy level of the team, in a condensed schedule that's required a great physical commitment from the players, Price and Prust affirmed that the Canadiens have plenty in the reserve for an extended run in the post-season. They are a team brimming with confidence right now, and under those circumstances, energy is easy to come by.
With regards to what needs to improve, there were no fingers pointed at any given area of play, Price just said it's all about perfecting the system.
The Habs aren't far off. And beyond Wednesday's trade deadline, they could be improved by some additions and some healthy returns for Rene Bourque and Raphael Diaz. That's the hope at least.
And if none of that comes to fruition... well, let's just say the team's better off than the Rangers.
As for the Rangers...
Members of the media were greeted by every player in the visitor's room while John Tortorella held court outside. There would be no profanity-laced tirade, no fingers pointed; nothing but credit afforded to the winning team. Torts had made his point to his players--that they were accountable for a listless performance, two nights after a gravely disappointing 3-0 loss to the Ottawa Senators.
Are the Rangers a team desperate for changes? Are they waiting for a trade that will save them? Are members of their team so tight about the possibility of moving that they can't find the reserves to pick themselves up right now?
I think it's a yes in all three categories, and that usually doesn't bode well for a team this close to the playoff bubble, with so few games remaining on the schedule.
And yet, it's not in New York's composition to stand pat, or sell off players. They will certainly add between now and Wednesday. Primary targets are Dan Boyle and Ryane Clowe. The Rangers' powerplay should be a lot better, but the thought is that they need a quarterback desperately. As for what they're missing in heart and grit, it starts with Prust and ends with Rupp, Dubinsky, Anisimov, Mitchell and Fedetenko.
If New York pays the price and lands both players, what will that do for the chemistry of their team? It's clear they need a shake up if they aren't throwing in the towel on this season, but how much better would one of Boyle or Clowe make Rick Nash, Brad Richards or Marian Gaborik? How much better will Lundqvist get?
Tension couldn't be any higher around the Rangers right now, which truly puts them at the opposite end of the spectrum from the Canadiens; about exactly what you'd say about both opponents on the ice Saturday.
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-Dream acquisition for the Canadiens would be Calgary defenseman Mark Giordano. The Flames are likely fielding a lot of calls on him. Are they willing to move him? No one's untouchable in Calgary. Won't speculate on price of that acquisition. Giordano is on the cap for the next three seasons at $4 million and change.
-Chances are, if the Canadiens are in the hunt for a signed defeseman like Giordano, they'll have to give up a prospect. You have to wonder how committed they are to Louis Leblanc, Greg Pateryn, and even Danny Kristo if they get him signed before Wednesday (it's expected they will).
-The price on Ryane Clowe is understandably high. While in the midst of his worst statistical output, he still represents a package that very few players around the league possess. He can play on any one of the top three lines, he can score, he can hit, and he'll fight anyone.
Clowe's not suffering any lingering effects of a minor shoulder tweak from a couple of weeks ago. In fact, as evidence, he fought big Bryan Allen of the Ducks, the game after banging himself up against the Los Angeles Kings.
The sense is that Clowe was hoping for an early extension from the Sharks this year--somewhere in the neighborhood of $5M/season over five years. Wayne Simmonds' deal was the benchmark. Now, if he waits until free agency, Clowe will be the next domino to fall after David Clarkson. And Clarkson is going to get paid, big-time.
So... it's been widely reported-- and you'll note that it was on my twitter feed as of 7:00pm Saturday--teams in on Clowe are the Rangers, Bruins, Habs and Wild. The Canucks are in there too according to Pierre LeBrun.
It'll likely cost a first rounder, or a second round pick and a prospect. If it's the Canucks or the Wild, they'll pay a premium for being teams within the conference. And then, who's going to pony up to pay those dollars to Clowe?
-You have to figure the Canadiens are still in it, so long as they haven't acquired the D-help they need. Getting a guy like Giordano--if in fact that is the type of target that sits as priority #1 for Bergevin--will cost enough for the Habs to bow out of the Clowe sweeps.
Boston's clear need is based on Chris Kelly's situation. And they've shown a willingness to move a first round pick. But is Clowe the top target for them? You have to think they're interested in a player with more scoring touch.
-Spoke with three scouts at the game on Saturday. All of them said the same thing about Ryane Clowe. He will help whoever he goes to. He's clearly frustrated in San Jose. And not a single one of them was worried about his lack of production, which I thought was interesting. Good news for Doug Wilson... that's for sure.
Montreal Canadiens Blogger • 
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