How about that team!!!

MC Girl · Guru

How about that team!!!

AB Habman · Guru

MC Girl wrote:

They blew the Leafs away. They played with passion & focus. They really worked hard to get that win. How about that Kovalev? They all played amazing hockey tonight. They certainly found their game & I saw few flaws this evening. If we keep up that game plan, Playoffs here we come!!!!! Way to go boys!!! Oh & Hooray for Huet -- Edited by MC Girl at 22:19, 2006-03-23

Good post! I also thought Kovy was dominant.

habgirl · Guru

I watched the second and third at the gym, so missed some (although I'm lucky I didn't run right off the treadmill when I WAS watching lol).

Kovalev was playing like Kovalev can. Intense, important and virtually unstoppable. Now that, Alexei, is what we need from you!

I thought even Bonkers was getting his hands dirty (although the faceoff thing bugs me - he can't seem to win one). He has really started to make his presence known. Markov is also amazing - what a difference in this team when he's playing! Ribs along the boards taking punishment but still coming away with drive.

Keep it up boys!

skov1044 · Member

the best part was that they skated to the very end of the game even being up 5-1

it was like they were sending a message for next game

MC Girl · Guru

I wonder what they've changed to look that good? Was it one major thing (i.e. rushing & staying with the puck regardless) or a bunch of little fixes that they realized were necessary? ( i.e. constantly putting 1 guy deep for the pass & possible breakaway) Was one person the leader? or have they all taken an individual step up? Was that great game solely because of their passion for beating the Leafs? or is that the type of game they are ready to bring to the table for the rest of the games this season?

I feel that every person on that team last night made it their personal triumph to beat the Leafs. We just need more of that type of hockey in every game we play. The lines weren't bad at all & the skill we showed was amazing.

Who do you think is responsible for it? Gainey? Koivu? Everyone?

What's your views?

beakermania · Senior Member

The difference in the team is one man, Andrei Markov. I don't think people realize just how good this guy is. He is invaluable to all aspects of Montreal's game and plays 28+ minutes a night.

His defensive play is outstanding, his active stick drives other teams players nuts. He quarterbacks the transition game and is a huge part of making the PP go. Heard a stat last night, he has missed 15 games this season and the Canadiens are 3-12 in those games. Not surprising that they look like a different team with him in the lineup is it??

fHABulous · Veteran Member

Not only is Markov great...but he makes the team look better and the defenceman playing with him (komi most the time) play with better ease and confidance...imagine doing all that with a back injury!! heheh lets hope they play like that for the rest of the season...they would be unstoppable!!