Wilde Horses

- The Habs have put five players in the right wing role trying to find someone to play with Eller and Galchenyuk. Nothing stuck. Now they have Sven Andrighetto and in two games he scored and drew two penalties with his speed. Therrien said that he thought Galchenyuk's line played its best game of the season Sunday with Andrighetto on it, and they weren't any different in NYC against hockey's top team heading in looking for a 10th straight home win.

- Smith Pelly gets his first chance with Plekanec's line and he takes advantage with a goal on a quick feed from Pacioretty and then another early third on the feed from Plekanec. The head coach had to be pleased with himself as he made two moves in two nights and they scored four goals.

- As mentioned, Galchenyuk with two goals in two games as he and the line are flourishing with some additional speed on the right side. Galchenyuk had a ton of chances for a while and finally they're going in. He's a high octane talent and he's bound to show it but you can't be two thirds to find success. You need all three guys going.

- Plekanec with three assists and his usual job of making his opposite have a tough and frustrating time tonight. He may not be a true number one centre in the classic sense but surround him and he won't stop your Cup pursuit either.

- Subban likes the spotlight and there's no bigger one than Broadway so not surprising he played a smart game. Not too flashy but a lot of strong and steady plays. We are seeing a different Subban at times this year. He's choosing the safer play more and more and the head coach loves it. Subban is as good as his Norris year. It's either the Habs or NYR that have the best defence and in this one, the best was the Habs and the best of the best is Pernell Karl Subban.

- Petry and Beaulieu stayed together with Emelin returning to play with Gilbert. Again, Therrien chooses a change that he likes and does not fall back into safe and old. It is working as this pairing gets more chemistry and Beaulieu shows he's surging to another level.

- The powerplay is still on fire against the third best killing team in the league. Galchenyuk to Pacioretty finished quick passing that no PK can contain.

- Notice how the Wilde Horses is basically an homage to Michel Therrien? Yes, I know, it's me writing. But the Habs didn't just beat the NYR, they ripped them to shreds. Therrien is a better coach this year. He allows his D to pinch, hold the line and join the rush. He allows five men to play a 200-foot game. He is coaching 2015 hockey and he's ahead of the curve thanks to personnel that lets him show what ideas he has. This is what a team looks like when a Stanley Cup is in their DNA. If the health is there in June, so they will be there too.

Wilde Goats

 

- The injury to Carey Price. He tried to fight through it into the second period and in the third the right decision was made. Price is needed in April. This strength in November is a bonus. The real prize is Price healthy for a Stanley Cup run so whatever is bothering him now, stop handling it piecemeal and handle it fully by making sure he is flat-out ready. Get Price out of there –for good – until there is no ‘maybe’ but a ‘for sure’ he is fine.  Condon broke down when he got too mentally tired but that's the better battle to fight now.

Wilde Cards

- The Habs announced an extension of Marc Bergevin's contract to 2022. A brilliant move for the organization as Bergevin has already established himself as one of the best GMs in hockey. The thing about Bergevin is he never makes a big mistake - a mistake that would cost the team long term, like Gomez for instance. He does not have a perfect record of moves. It is impossible to be perfect but what a resume so far. Remember when he started, the Habs drafted third because they were the worst team in the east. Also important for a GM is to have a long leash. You don't want a GM making job-saving moves. You want him making moves for now and long term. The Habs are in good shape for years with this move.