Wilde Horses
Galchenyuk - The confidence continues to grow. He is so close to that final puzzle piece that is going to lead to a real explosion of points and highlight reel goals. The power play is better with the second unit on that includes him.
Sekac - What a player. I have to assume he sat for seven so Bergevin could see if he could get something for Bourque. The entire team is transformed with Sekac in the lineup. He is giving the club an excellent third line and that is putting the opposition off balance. An excellent skater and a physical presence too. His style is very much a good fit for the North American game. It was Sekac who finally broke the power play drought at around 53 minutes and 0 for 28. Superb move. Better shot.
Eller- The biggest benefactor of Sekac back in the lineup is Eller. He is suddenly doing it all right without the Bourque weight on his shoulders. The backhand goal was of a very high quality. The line keeps zone pressure on so much that the opposition, when they get it out, simply head to the bench in exhaustion.
Weise - A big money player. He loves the spotlight. He completed the Gordie Howe hat trick. Beat up on Campbell. Scored on a penalty shot. Set up Pacioretty for one. Helluva game. Could tell he was ready in the morning. Had his hungry face on. Loves playing the Bruins.
Pacioretty- Quietly he has eight goals. Better than last year at this time, when in the first 19 games the Desharnais to Hamilton episode by the Mayor was happening at about this time.
Gonchar - Helped the power play a good deal. Gave the power play a new look with the left-handed shot. He also has a lot of savvy. Slows down the game well and makes it look quite easy. Better for sure five on five than I thought.
Emelin - His best game in a while. He was hitting more and didn't seem to have the odd lost shift. The seven D seemed to work well. Everyone looked fresh and not too taxed. I wonder if Emelin's minutes cut down will help his mental strength shift to shift. I suspect it will.
Plekanec - The better centre on the power play. Could not believe he missed his clear open net look but another quiet strong game.
Beaulieu - Down goes Fraser. Down goes Fraser. Down goes Fraser.
Wilde Goats
- Four straight wins and complete domination, albeit against a tired and depleted line up. However, you still have to have the game and talent to make them look tired and depleted and the Habs did, so blank this column is. No goats.
Wilde Cards
- Thought Subban risked his life taking on Lucic. A good thing in my mind that Subban survived it and refs stepped in. Lucic will remember though and the battle lines are drawn now, as if Lucic doesn't have disdain for enough Habs already. But Mr. GFY will have to wait for next time to get even. For now, another chapter in the rivalry swings the Habs’ way.
