Back on track... for now

With a morning speech by captain Saku Koivu in mind, the Canadiens took a 4-2 decision over the Washington Capitals tonight at the MCI Center in D.C. The Habs got goals from four different players, including Mike Komisarek's first career marker, and outshot the Caps 32-26. More importantly, Koivu managed to stay out of the penalty box after taking two offensive-zone penalties Saturday night against Pittsburgh. The Canadiens have lacked discipline this season, with Koivu being no exception, but he was penalty-free tonight and picked up his 33rd assist of the year.

I find it quite interesting that the Canadiens have been getting a few more goals than usual from their defencemen - Komisarek and Mathieu Dandenault tonight, two from Sheldon Souray against the Penguins, and more help from Craig Rivet and Francis Bouillon in recent games. Must be the work of Guy Carbonneau.

Speaking of Bouillon, TSN and the Gazette are reporting that he is undergoing MRIs to confirm that nothing is wrong with his ankle. X-rays revealed no breaks, so he should only be out of the lineup a couple more games, unless the MRI tests say otherwise. Luckily, the Canadiens enjoyed the return of Andrei Markov, who had been complaining of back spasms. Markov logged just over 20 minutes of ice time and was a +1. A huge win for Montreal, especially considering that the Thrashers won quite decisively against Buffalo tonight. Tomorrow, the bleu-blanc-rouge are at Nassau Memorial Coliseum to take on the Islanders.