PHOTO BY SCOTT VANKOUGHNETT
Bounce back games are nothing new to this year’s Montreal Canadiens team.
For the past two series’ in the 2010 Stanley Cup playoffs, “les habitants” have battled back after lopsided losses to win in their next game.
In the Washington series, it was games three and four when Montreal was out-scored 11-4, only to rebound for a 2-1 game five victory.
Much of that win was based on the play of Jaroslav Halak, who has been lights out and is now drawing comparisons to the greats named Roy, Dryden, and Plante.
In the Pittsburgh series, it was a 6-3 game one win for the Penguins. Halak was pulled in favor of Carey Price – again – allowing Halak to rest up for game two.
It worked wonders, as the Canadiens beat the Penguins 3-1. Halak was the star, stopping 20 of 21 shots, most being of the difficult nature.
Game two of this series is shaping up to have the same storyline play out. With the Canadiens getting pummeled in their first game against the Flyers 6-0 and Price coming in for Halak, expect the Slovakian to shine in game two.
Canadiens coach Jacques Martin expects that everyone – including Halak – will be better tonight.
“It wasn’t one of his better games,” he said. “I think he’ll recognize that, and not just him. I think it goes with our hockey team. I think [Sunday] night wasn’t a good performance, and the result was there to show it. I’ve got lots of confidence, and his teammates have a lot of confidence in Jaro that he’ll be able to bounce back.”
Halak himself said that he wants to put the tough performance behind him and move on like he has before in these playoffs.
“It was tough,” he said. “But you know, it’s playoffs. You know, one game at a time, and we need to forget about this one and make sure we are ready.”
The Flyers come into tonight’s game on a roll, having won their last five games dating back to the Boston series.
A major contributor to his team’s success is Simon Gagne, who – somehow – is playing with a broken bone in his foot, injuring it in the first-round.
Gagne has been lights out for the Flyers, scoring six points in five games since his return, including the OT winner in game four and the game winner in game seven, both against the Bruins.
While he has been great, Gagne himself points out the play of Michael Leighton, who has stepped in marvelously for the injured Brian Boucher. Boucher went down in game six against the Bruins.
“It’s unbelievable the way he’s played,” said Gagne. “Not able to play a game for two months and come in in that tough situation against Boston and now facing Montreal. He’s been able to make some big saves.”
Leighton himself is enjoying the ride, but knows he can’t get too ahead of himself.
“I’ve tried to think about it a little bit, but I don’t want to get caught up in it right now,” he said. “I think when this is all done, I’ll look back on it, and definitely embrace it a little bit more. But right now I have a job to do. I’m just trying to focus on playing well.”
One thing is for sure, with the track record that Halak has in these playoffs, he will most certainly have a great game tonight.
The Flyers aren’t worried though, and know Leighton can get the job done.
“We have full confidence in him as our goalie,” captain Mike Richards said. “He’s played well for us when he was in net before his injury, and he’s playing well for us now.”
Puck drop is 7 pm (EST) from the Wachovia Center in Philadelphia.
Topics: 2010 Stanley Cup Playoffs, Jacques Martin, Jaroslav Halak, Mike Richards, Montreal Canadiens, Philadelphia Flyers, Simon Gagne, Stanley Cup Playoffs
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