Wilde Horses
- Gallagher must have a big lung capacity. Like an extra ability to take in oxygen. The guy's work rate is off the charts. He just does not give up on any play until it's over which is about the same time someone has drilled him in the face.
- Plekanec. Night after night, nearly mistake-free performances. On the right side of the puck so often. One of the brainiest players you'll ever see. Such a shock to me that he gets so little credit for being a great two-way player and should always be top 10 in Selke voting - always. Defensive zone starts and against top lines all the time, he gets it done.
- Smith-Pelly doing what he needs to. Hard on the body especially against Karlsson works for the Habs, and some power play work in front of the net that almost netted him a goal, Smith-Pelly is the winner of the trade so far as Sekac was a healthy scratch in Anaheim. Smith-Pelly also did excellent work to draw the power play with 1:30 left. He goes to the front of the net and becomes hard to move. It's a formula that the Habs have not had all year. Pelly's the first guy to make it work because standing in front of Subban bombs is not a fun time - widespread bruising is guaranteed.
Ottawa Senators goalie Andrew Hammond (30) stops Montreal Canadiens right wing Devante Smith-Pelly (21) during first period of Game 2 NHL first round playoff hockey action Friday, April 17, 2015 in Montreal.THE CANADIAN PRESS/Ryan Remiorz
- Jeff Petry is going to play the free agent market and that's too bad because he is solid. The best D at joining the rush on the team. He makes the right decisions and picks the right moment better than anyone on the Habs - second best at it is probably Markov.
- A much better game from Desharnais. He simply competed better.
- The maturity of Beaulieu is indeed a beautiful thing to see. His decision making has improved so much and he seems to be able to quarterback his shifts. He reads when he has time. He knows when to speed it all up to his team's benefit. Going to be a great one for a long time.
- Eller continues to be an impact player. He drew two power plays in the third period that kept the Sens on their heels. Though no goals were scored the momentum is always important to hold. Overall too, just not enough conversation about Eller’s puck-winning ability.
- Gilbert took a little while to get his groove in Montreal but he is a big part of a good D so far. His mobility and ability to move pucks forward are his best assets.
- Galchenyuk because someone has to be a hero. Someone has to score the goal. Goal scorers got to score. He's been struggling. It hasn't rolled his way. Perhaps this changes all that.
Sens goalie Andrew Hammond and defenceman Mark Borowiecki look back at the puck in the net on a goal by Alex Galchenyuk during overtime of Game 2 NHL Stanley Cup first round playoff hockey action Friday, April 17, 2015 in Montreal. The Canadiens beat the Senators 3-2 to take a 2-0 lead in the best-of-seven series. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Paul Chiasson
Wilde Goats
- Emelin ends up being a goat for a play he didn't need to make. A last forward isn't going to get back in time. It's another penalty away from the play. It is just not worth it to impede MacArthur there.
- Markov once again with a sluggish game. Slow to help Price on the dump in, second to the puck yet again. That should not happen. It's on Price too to put it to a safer spot but Markov skating in a coasting manner in the playoffs killing a penalty is simply not good enough.
Wilde Cards
- Pacioretty scored but overall he was a bit tentative in his first game back. The first is always a tough game. You're worried. You're not sure how you'll react. You hope you can make it through. The psyche is impacted by the injury. Let's hope he made it through because if it was a concussion I fear for any man. He seemed okay.
- The only big issue I see the Habs having in the series so far is the Sens' pinching defence. The Habs have to neutralize it by chipping it along the wall to a supporting centre and taking it the other way for a 2 on 1 possibly or a 2 on 2 with one of the defenders a forward. If they cannot execute that, they get in all kinds of pressure in their own zone. Coach's adjustment here is going to be key going forward in Ottawa.
Montreal Canadiens centre Alex Galchenyuk celebrates with teammates after scoring the winning goal in OT of Game 2 NHL first round playoff hockey action against the Ottawa Senators Friday, April 17, 2015 in Montreal. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Ryan Remiorz
