WIN!!!

The Habs have done what no one thought possible; blown the Caps out of the water. Montrealers everywhere crowded around televisions, and anxiously sipped beer as they watched nos Canadiens. I myself tried to go Boite à Karaoke, Sports Station, Cock 'n Bull & Ciné Express at around 18:15, however all were already exceeding capacity. So my friends and I packed into a Molly's Rav 4, heading to the Maz in NDG, which eventually became packed with everyone and anyone.

As the minutes passed at the end of the third, and a penalty was called against the Habs, giving the Caps the chance to pull their goalie and have a 6 on 4 advantage, my heart was pounding. As the seconds ticked away, and everyone in the bar counted down, I held my breath. 10-9-8-7-6-5-4-3-2-1...!!!!!!!! Absolute insanity. Everyone was screaming and cheering.

What did we do next? Naturally, pile right back into the Rav 4, and headed downtown to join the celebration. As we walked along St Catherine street, cars were honking, people were cheering, chants of "Olé Olé Olé" would sporadically start up. Random strangers were hugging and high fiving.

The police were well prepared this year, due to raucous we caused in 2008 when the Habs beat the Bruins in the eastern conference quarter finals. No cop cars were ignited this year, no stores were looted. It was a peaceful celebration that united Habs fans regardless of race, religion or language.

And the reason for it all? The Habs accomplished what no one thought possible, what every Habs fan believed in their heart, but thought in their minds would never happen. While our defense has shone in this series, namely shot blocker extraordinaire Hal Gil & AHL star PK Subban, while our scoring has been decent (Cammalleri currently sits 4th overall for points this post season... AHEAD of Ovechkin, ahem ahem), it can without a doubt be said the reason for our 3 straight wins rests on the shoulders of one man - Jaroslav Halak. He made unbelievable saves in the last 3 games that absolutely blew my mind. Someone at work sent this to me, and I thought it was appropriate...


Bring on the Penguins! Game 1 is at 19:00 est on Friday. Go Habs Go.

Halak

After last night's incredible performance by Habs netminder Jaroslav Halak, I found it next to impossible to keep myself from writing SOMETHING about the epic battle that Montrealers were privileged to witness last night. After stopping 53 of 54 shots, Jaro carried his team to a 4-1 win over the Washington Capitals, for the second straight time in 3 days, preventing immediate elimination from the 2010 Stanley Cup playoff race. Now, with the series tied at 3 apiece, the Habs look to accomplish what no one thought possible - advance to the next round.

The 2009-10 President's trophy winners were expected to sweep the Habs in 4, 5 games at most. What I only hope is that whatever the outcome of tomorrow night's game is, Montrealers will recognize and appreciate the already near impossible feat which the Bleu, Blanc, Rouge have accomplished this post season. Proving that we won't go down without a fight, proving that we have what it takes to compete against arguably the leagues most talented player in years (for you non-hockey-lovers, that would be the Caps player to don the number 8. Google it if you're still at a loss). I for one am insanely proud to be a Montrealer and a Habs fan.

Here's a little inspirational music to get you pumped for the game. Puck drops at 7:oo PM est.

Playoffs

So the Habs clinched a playoff spot last night, despite losing in OT to the Leafs. The point was enough to seal the deal, and I must admit, seeing that "X" in front of "Montreal Canadiens" on NHL.com was enough to make me totally stoked. It just may be the only time I will ever be "okay" with a loss to Toronto.

Despite the fact that the Habs are done their regular season, today is a big day for the team. Philly meets NYR this afternoon at 3 PM est, and this could decide who we play in the first round. If Philly wins, it means we meet Ovechkin and the Caps in the first round (which, personally, I'd like to avoid. In the event of a Habs-Caps matchup, my prediction would be Caps in 4. Which would suck.) If Philly loses, then it gets a little complicated. We'll meet whoever wins between Buffalo-New Jersey at 5 PM est, but if the game is decided outside of regulation time, regardless of who wins, we'll meet New Jersey. I'm okay with either of those matchups. Neither are ideal, but that's what happens when you squeeze into a playoff spot by the skin of your teeth (not to mention, the Habs are going into the playoffs on a 3 game losing streak. Not exactly the momentum you'd like.)

I think the Habs need to put their heart and soul into it. They definitely have the potential to be put up a decent fight, despite a difficult season, plagued by injuries. I'd like to see Cammalleri step his game up, which hasn't been the greatest since he returned from his injury. Of course, we can be comforted with what stands between the pipes. I think Halak could make or break the first round (no pressure there, buddy).

For up-to-date Habs info, read Habs Inside/Out, and to give yourself playoff fever (as if ANYONE in the city needs to amp their excitement), watch this video from a few seasons ago by the great local artist Annakin Slayd:

Habs

The Habs look to clinch a playoff spot tonight versus the Carolina Hurricanes. All they need to ensure their post-season run is one point. All they have to do is at least force the game into OT, if they can't win it in regulation. Doing so would mean a playoff run for Montreal this season, hopefully not as embarrassing at last year's series against Boston *shudder*. For details on tonight's game, click here. Puck drops at 7 pm EST.

3 Rules to Live By

Someone I don't know commented on one of my Facebook friends' pictures with this statement, which I thought was hilarious (now bear in mind, I have reddish hair and freckles, and COULD be considered "ginger", so if I can have a sense of humour, so can you!):

3 Rules I live my life by:

1) Never get a 3-year cellphone plan (You'll be sick and tired of it, not to mention the stage phones will be at in 2 years)

2) Never buy white shoes/clothing/anything! (It WILL get dirty, every time, all the time)

3) Gingers don't have souls (that goes without saying really...)