Boredom Does it Again. Cats Beat Habs 2-1

If the NHL is thinking of making any tapes to promote their game, please throw this one out of the one’s for consideration.  Tuesday night it was a battle contest of two teams, one that was built by Jacques Martin, the other one coached by Jacques Martin.  Not quite the mixture or recipe for excitement mind you, but the end result favored the Florida Panthers as Shawn Matthias scored two goals including one on a penalty shot, and Tomas Vokoun once again was a brick wall.

Who says that winning has to be pretty?  Certainly not the Florida Panthers, but with all the injuries and AHL players in the lineup they will take whatever they can get.  It was their first win over ex-coach GM, Uncle Jack (Jacques Martin), and their first win over Montreal this season.  It was also their fourth consecutive victory as they right now find themselves sitting in a 4 way tie for sixth place in the Eastern conference with 55 points.  Off until Friday, alot can happen, but for now, the Panthers are in a playoff position.

Matthias, a player who has had a lot expected of him, yet has not shown very much, did last night in less than 10 minutes of ice time.  8:40 to be exact.  His breakaway scoring attempt was thwarted as defenceman Josh Georges tripped Matthias on his way towards the net, and Canadiens goalie Jaroslav Halak made the save anyway as Matthias almost scored.  However, he was awarded his first ever penalty shot and made no mistake, as he decided against the Rostislav Olesz backhander, and went forehand past Halak for the score.

Matthias scored the game winner at the 12:59 mark on a pass from Dominic Moore to put the Panthers ahead for good.  Even though there were seven minutes left in the game, I am sure that once again the butt cheeks were a bit tight, the Cats held on for the win.  Tomas Plekancek scored the Canadiens only goal on the power play late in the second period giving Montreal the lead.

Florida however stuck to their game plan.  Nothing fancy, nothing exciting, and nothing to write home about.  Just wait for a chance, and they got one.  And for a change they took advantage of it.

I can’t say enough how dull this game was.  At the halfway point of the contest, I looked up at the scoreboard from my seat and saw a total of 20 shots for both teams combined!  I turned to my friend next to me and asked him to confirm what I saw.  As he sipped from his 3rd rum and coke, he said yes Frank, 20 shots.  I know he can hold his liquor so I trusted his word.  Tomas Vokoun stopped 17 shots as he was rarely in trouble, and played another top notch game.  Thankfully the Cats defence was sharp and Matthias came to the rescue as the rest of the offence seems to be hibernating.

Players such as Stevie Wonder and Rhino are still struggling and at this point can’t find their ass with both hands, but nonetheless, other players are picking up the slack.  Speaking of Weiss, he looks out of sorts, maybe still bothered by his previous injury.  He appears slow, and has absolutely no “mustard” on his shots.  The next couple days off could and should help him.

On to Washington Friday as the Panthers take on the Capitals.  Let’s see if this team can stop that high flying offence.  If they do, then maybe we have something to talk about.

My Molson Candian Player of the Game:  Shawn Matthias!

Sorry Uncle Jack, but I wish you’re stay had a better turnout.  Ah, who am I kidding.  Good riddance.  He was doing alot of this during the game.

Some things just don’t change.

Thanks for reading.

Cheers