It was written all over the pre-game skates before Game 7. The Montreal Canadiens couldn't wait for the zamboni to get off the ice so they could get it started. Hal Gill was tracking the zamboni, skating right behind it, almost rushing it off the ice. When Andrei Markov stepped out on to the ice, you knew why there was so much enthusiasm. The Habs looked around at each other and realized that if they could get through this game that they were going to get better and get healthier. They approached Game 7 knowing this was all a bonus. It was clear during practice that Markov couldn't play, but seeing Spacek and Gill ready to go, the players simply lifted up. The Habs then went out and had a pre-game skate that was so much in contrast to their Game 5 skate, it was notable. They were of high spirits. Their confidence oozed off them.
Pens pre-skate
The Pens pre-game skate was nervous and it is worth noting that the first two players off the ice after it were Malkin and Gonchar.
The same Gonchar who let Travis Moen walk past him like a ticket taker at a turnstile.
The same Malkin who showed as much emotion as his mother. Maybe Malkin should have conjured up a little more passionate dad DNA last night. He made a series of blind back passes that cost ownership of the blue line that left you simply saying "What's he doing? What is last year's playoff MVP doing?"
That leaves you with Marc Andre Fleury who let in four goals in 13 shots. As an organization, I admire how much the Pens backed and protected Fleury. That's a great team concept. The truth is though, he let in four and how many were soft? All four. Sorry, all four could have been stopped.
At least Fleury might have helped Caps coach Bruce Boudreau save his job.
Habs won goaltenders' battle
Now to the Habs. The biggest battle they won is the one that all hockey in its essence revolves around. They won the goaltenders' battle as they have not only all playoffs, but think about it, most of the season.
By the numbers
Here are the numbers, and they tell a story of an historic run that is only half achieved.
The Habs become only the fifth team in history to win two game sevens on the road.
The Habs become the fifth team in history to knock off the number one seed and defending champs in the same year.
The Habs move on to the third round for the first time since 1993 when they won the cup.
The Habs book end the Mellon Arena with a 2-1 in the first game ever in 1967 and a 5-2 win in the last game ever.
Mike Cammalleri gets 7 goals in 7 games in the series to move to 12 goals in the playoffs. The highest total of goals since Guy Lafleur in 1975.
Stats for Game 7 that stand out and speak of commitment are these: blocked shots favoured Montreal 26 to 3. Giveaways 14 for Pittsburgh and zero for Montreal. Shots on goal 39-20 for Pittsburgh which is the only stat that favours the Pens, but does it really considering Halak is better if he faces more than 35 shots. Halak turned 25 today. A game seven win is a nice present.
PK Subban stands out
The top plus minus player on the Habs these playoffs is PK Subban. He turned 21 today. He doesn't need a present. God already gave him all he needs.
Those are all the numbers, but this is not a numbers story. The Habs story is about leadership, commitment, and rowing a boat with all oars in and all men upping their stroke rate to levels they were not sure they had.
A link is just a link, until it's a chain, and only then is it strong. That is these Habs. Made strong by the link to each other.
Gainey deserves credit
I have said it many times before and it is worth repeating again the morning after another improbable upset: Bob Gainey went in the room last March. He didn't like what he saw. He overhauled 10 players to change the team's chemistry. He brought in proven playoff performers. Cup winners. Guys who don't put up amazing regular season numbers, but claw for every inch in May. He brought in leadership. Leaders who taught lessons and passed on their experiences. It was up to the followers to humbly follow and they have. And if they didn't have the courage to be made small so they could grow, then they had to fall away. Sergei Kostitsyn learned the hard way that there could be no imposters. Imposters will be exposed when the goal is that difficult and the journey this long. All must put the oar in the water and row in perfect unison.
Vindication, honour and commitment
So here we are. The Habs have made a clarion call for all in the city of Montreal to hear. And if that beacon had in it the sounds of the absolute truth, here is what to a Habs man you could hear. Sentences of vindication. Sentences of honour. Sentences of commitment to a fellow man.
Gomez would be saying I did get a lot of money, but I stand before you today playing hockey still.
Plekanec would be saying I just went head to head with Sidney Crosby and he scored once in seven games. I'm still playing.
Mike Cammalleri would be saying no one believed in us, but we never doubted.
Jaroslav Halak would be saying that it is now time to get some respect.
Glen Metropolit would be saying this is the time of my life and I am overjoyed simply to be a part of it.
Tom Pyatt would say Oh my God I belong here. Right here. In this NHL room with these men.
Josh Gorges would say in his absolute honesty that he always brings, I love these guys.
Sergei Kostitsyn would say what is there in me that I do not belong here?
Andrei Kostitsyn would say I will not be my brother. He might add how can I be my brother's keeper?
PK Subban would tell you I am just getting started.
Mathieu Darche would say this is the dream I kept fighting for.
All of them would say I am here for you because I know you are here for me.
Poetic playoffs
This may sound like a lot of poetry for half a playoff, but all championship teams share this common bond, this feeling of togetherness. They grow together. They feel with each win the need to never let their mate down. Support becomes a challenge that no player can bear to not meet. Talent has as its measurement - numbers. Heart can only be quantified with a ring.
So I invite you this morning to rejoice in this band of brothers who from failing hands have taken the torch and are holding it higher than a generation. Wax poetic Montreal. Rise up Montreal and soak in this joy.
Cry out to the rafters. Raise your flags. Honk your horns. It's your time. For today, you have heroes. Tomorrow, the oars go back in the water trying to maintain the perfect unison that signifies team, for as Mike Cammalleri said "we're halfway there!"
