The Canadiens beat the New York Rangers Saturday night 3-1. Looking for a game recap, including video of the solemn pregame ceremony? Look no further.

Wilde Horses

- Carey Price: The best goalie in the world. There are times when I focus on the two players making a cross-ice pass in front of him where the pass is moving 50 miles per hour and I don't think Price has even a remote chance to get across the crease, and not only does he make the save he is perfectly square and in position. He's just an amazing goalie. Don't give me the argument he isn't the world's best because he hasn't won the big one. That's not how this is judged, even though it isn't that solid an argument anyway since the big one is most certainly an Olympic gold. It is judged on quality of save - that's it. And no one makes a higher quality save time and time again. And what about his demeanour? He's calm, and that calmness moves through all the players as they react to his style and incorporate it with confidence. Four goals allowed in the last three games, 93 of 97 saves. The. Best. Goalie. In. The. World.

- I love Max Pacioretty's game this year. It is more complete than at any time in his career. He is more physical. A shift against him is more of a grind. He imposes his will more. He bodies guys out of plays with ease. He's at that point in his career where even if he weren't scoring, he still wouldn't be in a slump because he is doing so much else well.

- Tomas Plekanec is loving life with actually good line mates. He is doing so much well. Another goal, this one shorthanded? Selke top five -- finally -- this year.

- PA Parenteau is a very good fit on the Habs. He says he loves the speed of the transition game here. It shows. He is a better player away from the puck than I had thought.

- Brendan Gallagher had a moment where he crashed into the net head first. No faster than you wondered if he was okay he was already back in the play annoying the goalie. Gallagher is such a menace. The Habs are not fun to play against. Even the little guys are a pain in the ass.

- Dale Weise with two points he showed that he can be a third line guy easily. John Tortorella did not get the last laugh here at all. He designated Weise to be a fighter with limited skills. Don't see how one could say that. Weise does a lot right and is yet another agitator. People don't talk about it in Montreal but the Habs are a real pain to play. They have a lot of competitive needlers.

- Brandon Prust is another needler. Man does this guy understand the science of fighting. He never looks in danger against much bigger men sometimes. Prust is the perfect role player. Does his business on his line, keeps other team's players honest. A great team guy.

- Lars Eller, as many of you who follow my thoughts, is to me a very underappreciated player. He does a lot of things right. People will talk about the goal and he is no doubt pleased with it but truth is Eller is a defensive centre - a shutdown centre. He's a third line centre but not solely a checker. He's a will breaker of the other team's centre. He makes other good centres defend way more than they want to.

- The defence as a whole. All of them were solid. Kept the Rangers to the outside. Kept the rebounds to a minimum. Blocked out well. There was zone time in the third for sure but they made good decisions. An icing is not to be ashamed of. If you're in trouble then simply reset. Habs are well coached.

- Michel Therrien is doing an excellent job. His work ethic is not negotiable mantra has really caught on as a source of pride. His decision to get Pacioretty and Plekanec to be on the kill together is giving power plays fits to the other team. He mixes his roster up well to keep all engaged. He has the command in the room for sure. I wondered about Gallant not there and what that would mean. I didn't have to wonder.

Wilde Goats

It's the Habs best start since 1961. I'm just gonna go ahead and leave this one empty again.

Wilde Cards

Loved the full-throated rendition of the Canadian national anthem. I am always proud that I am from this great, tolerant, kind and civil country.