While this team still has a lot to improve upon, of course, I disagree with most of the criticisms of their performance against Tampa Bay. Particularly those of the powerplay, which looked incredible for most of the game, and if it weren’t for a couple of goal posts and a couple of–let’s be honest–stellar saves, would have scored them 3 or 4 goals. This is not at all the same dismal powerplay we’ve reluctantly come to expect as of late.

In addition to the revived powerplay, the defensive game as well seemed to be a lot more fluent than it has in recent games. Mistakes were kept to a minimum and Tampa Bay was unable to pressure the defense for longish periods of time, save a couple of instances in the third period, which were no doubt the result fo sitting back a bit on a late 2-0 lead.

Further, they didn’t cower when Tampa Bay asserted itself physically. They hit back (for a change) and created opportunties in the process.

All in all, I found it refreshing to witness a near 60-minute effort from this team. (It was if I was watching a hockey team again.) They dominated the play for such a large part of the game that it honestly should have been one of their most lopsided blowouts in recent memory. And it is my opinion that if they bring that kind of effort for each of their remaining, then they’ll be fine wiht regard to securing a playoff spot.

That being said, there is one crticism that I feel is warranted, and it’s that of the goaltending, namely Carey Price. I realise that it’s difficult to remain sharp when you’ve faced a mere 8 shots more than 50 minutes into a hockey game, but this sort of let down has too often been the case with Price. In fact, last night’s game brought back painful memories of the playoff series against the Flyers last season – a series that the Habs never should have lost. Montreal dominated offensively for so much of that series, in every game, and then Umberger, or whomever else, would get a chance the other way and score every friggin’ time. (I even recall a comment left by a Flyers fan during that series – “See you in Philly. And bring that Price kid with you, will ya?” Indeed the Habs did, and indeed the point was made.) Perhaps staying sharp under such circumstances comes with more experience, but for now, Price is not the goaltender that this team can ride deep into the playoffs. Perhaps Halak can ge hot again at the right time but I’m not confident that he could handle the onslaught of a Boston, Washington, Pittsburgh, or New Jersey in a seven-game series. This position continues to be a huge, gaping hole and a reason for concern.