Jose Theodore is unhappy. Tonight's contest between #8 Montreal and #1 Washington did not start out well for the Capitals' netminder. After allowing two goals on two shots, Theodore was benched. He has a history of running hot and cold. See Tattler No. 37 for more on that.
Washington's backup goalie is 2009 rookie phenom Semyon Varlamov. Early in the first period, he took the ice and played between the pipes for Washington. After two rocky periods, Washington started to outplay the Habs in the 3rd frame, but the Canadiens also hung tough. At the end of regular time, the game was tied 5-5.
The Habs (Montreal) are underdogs, having finished in 8th place, playing against a top-seeded Washington juggernaut with a league-leading 121 points during the regular season. Montreal won the first game in OT, and took the second game through three periods with a tie score. What separates a #8 team from a top seed is thin ice. Regular season stats often don't mean much in the playoffs.
Washington's backup goalie is 2009 rookie phenom Semyon Varlamov. Early in the first period, he took the ice and played between the pipes for Washington. After two rocky periods, Washington started to outplay the Habs in the 3rd frame, but the Canadiens also hung tough. At the end of regular time, the game was tied 5-5.
The Habs (Montreal) are underdogs, having finished in 8th place, playing against a top-seeded Washington juggernaut with a league-leading 121 points during the regular season. Montreal won the first game in OT, and took the second game through three periods with a tie score. What separates a #8 team from a top seed is thin ice. Regular season stats often don't mean much in the playoffs.
The Canadiens offense has been sparked by Scott Gomez and Brian Gionta, veterans of the 2003 New Jersey Stanley Cup champions "EGG" line (E for Elias). Gionta is the Habs' alternate captain, acquired from New Jersey in July 2009. Gomez was acquired from the NY Rangers this year as well. Somebody in Montreal was able to put 2 and 2 together and come up with 5. Gio and Gomez have been responsible for two goals and two assists during the first two games.
The two G-men are American hockey players. Gio comes from Rochester New York, and captained the Boston College Eagles to a national championship in 2000-2001. Just two years later, he was skating with Lord Stanley after a game 7 victory over the Anaheim Mighty Ducks. Here's a picture of Gio in the sin bin (as a Devil).
Scott Gomez, NHL rookie of the year in 1999-2000, found his way from Jersey to Montreal after a two-year stint with the Rangers. His contract with the Rangers was worth $51M over seven years, but after his last season with 58 points, the Blue Shirts decided to deal him. The league scuttlebutt is that the Rangers got the best of the deal, and the Habs got fleeced, still obligated to pay $37M over the next five years.
Gomez regular season stats with the Habs have been a mirror image of his New York performance. 59 points, +1 rating is not at the same level as teammate Tomas Plekanec. Former Habs' captain Saku Koivu (who was an institution in Montreal, until leaving as a free agent last year) has the same scoring stats, but cost about half of what Gomez collects. "Gomer" has been called a 2nd or 3rd line center, playing for marquee rates. But take a look at his playoff performance. Like former Canadien Claude Lemieux, Gomez elevates his game in clutch situations. Is he worth it? These playoffs may provide the answer.
The Habs remain underdogs, and until the third period, had a 3-goal lead over the Eastern Conference Presidents Trophy winners. Montreal always has the aura of destiny. Its dominance in hockey, up to the onset of the "modern era" with free agency, is legend. Even today, look over the list of goaltenders and players - the French Canadian influence in hockey is enormous.
The Caps know what's on the line. Yesterday, Sid the Kid stepped up for the Penguins. Will Ovi and his linemates be able to recover from Jose Theodore's poor start? Go to NHL.com GameCenter to learn the outcome. It was a tie game going into OT. Just like the first game. Montreal's Plekanec won that one at 13:19 two nights ago.
Tonight was Washington's first OT win in eight of the last nine contests. Their last OT win was in 1998. The series is tied 1-1. Now we all know to be on the lookout for the B&O boys - Backstrom and Ovechkin. Next stop is the Bell Center, north of the border.
Hockey Rules.
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