It’s hard for me to say that the Montreal Canadiens suffered a deserved loss last night at the hands of the Florida Panthers. In a 4-1 defeat that did not reflect the play of the home team or the actual development of the game, Mike Condon could’ve arguably taken a page out of Roberto Luongo’s 900th career start and been a little better than he was. Luongo shut the door on numerous scoring chances, multiplying difficult saves and demonstrating world-class skills by stopping 32 of the 33 shots he faced. Unfortunately for the Habs, Condon had an off-night, managing only 15 saves on the 19 pucks fired his way.
The story of last night, however, was John Scott’s first and only game with the Canadiens. As predicted, he started the game on the ice (and the Panthers scored only 10 seconds in), was cheered loudly every time he touched the puck, checked an opponent, and was celebrated for the simplest play in hockey: the infamous “dump and change…. You can’t help but to feel good for the gentle giant who was embarrassed and disrespected by a league already lacking in integrity- I had said this numerous times even before the leaked emails scandal that occurred a few weeks ago- and the Habs offered him the opportunity to go home and see his family after not having spent any time with them in over two months. He chose not to report back to their AHL affiliate in St. John’s, and headed back to Michigan where he’ll be reunited with his wife Danielle and his four young children.
It was a gracious move by the organization, and a much-needed act of generosity shown towards a player whose professionalism has never been questioned. Quite the opposite; he was praised by numerous players around the league and Michel Therrien for his affable personality, and a visibly emotional Scott was grateful for the class demonstrated towards him.
In quite possibly the most shocking news of 2015-2016 – please note the sarcasm - the Habs announced that Carey Price and P.K. Subban will miss the duration of the regular season:
#Habs Confirming both PK Subban and C.Price are done for the year.
— Richard Labbé (@Richardlabbe) April 6, 2016
My predecessor Eric Engels chimed in with a little more information :
P.K. Subban played with a strained MCL from SJ game Feb 29 until he suffered neck injury Mar.10. Recently stopped practising with a brace.
— Eric Engels (@EricEngels) April 6, 2016
And finally, three other players won’t lace up the skates in the last two games of the season :
#canadiens Mark Barberio (concussion) Vitcor Bartley (groin/broken foot) Lucas Lessio (knee) won't be back this season.
— Renaud Lavoie (@renlavoietva) April 6, 2016
Please don't mind Renaud. He meant to spell it "Victor", I'm sure.