Habs-Rangers

Tonight's game was one of the most exciting I've seen on TV since the start of the season. The Canadiens battled hard and played a fast, up-tempo, and - for the most part - smart hockey game tonight. Despite taking several unnecessary penalties, including one mindless one by captain Saku Koivu in the first, they played quite the flawless game, although they were outshot 26-24. Needless to say, then, that Cristobal Huet was once again exceptional in earning his 5th shutout of the season.

The Habs looked extremely focused tonight, something I haven't seen from them in a long time. Their game was clean, their skating swift, their passes crisp. They seemed to be running on all cylinders, much the same way they were during their early-season burst to the top of the standings. One has to wonder if they felt refreshed and unburdened by not having to deal with the distractions José Theodore brought to the room. His play certainly brought their confidence down, and perhaps now that he's gone, they can feed off Huet without having to worry about when Theodore would be getting his next shot at redemption.

I enjoyed the moving, yet somewhat long, ceremony for Boom Boom Geoffrion at the start of the game. It's too bad he wasn't honoured a lot earlier when he should have been, so he could have been there to feel the fans' warmth in celebration of his career. At least the Canadiens played an inspired game for him. Appreciating the history of the jersey they're wearing can help the current-day Canadiens go the extra mile sometimes, and they certainly did tonight. Here's to a great finish to the season!