Finally, a solid win

For the first time in a while, the Canadiens came out of the gates with amazing energy, and were able to maintain it for much of the game against the Bruins today. And through this good effort, one can see where they have gone wrong these past few months, and why it's not quite over yet.

The Habs continued to take stupid, mindless penalties, and commit avoidable errors, and you could see how it really took the wind out of their sails. The Canadiens were heavily penalized this afternoon, and while the Bruins could have been assessed several more minor penalties themselves, the truth is that Montreal consistently spend many more minutes in the penalty box than their opponents, and it kills them. The difference tonight was that they decided to overcome that adversity and bring out even more energy. That and, of course, Cristobal Huet, who was incredibly stellar in goal today.

The Habs have to build on this victory and recognize their mistakes. If they can remember that they're still capable of an effort such as today's, and eliminate their amateurish imperfections, they still have a shot at putting together a string of wins. And Mr. Gainey, I highly recommend you let José take an extended rest so that he can regroup and refocus. Perhaps send him on a trip to Paris?

Update: Apparently Mighty Ducks GM Brian Burke was in attendance at both Habs-Bruins games. While that might lead one to believe that a Theodore-Giguere trade is in the works, the more likely possibility is that Gainey is talking to Burke about one of his potentially available defensemen, most notably Ruslan Salei or Keith Carney.