Ann 2Game 49 Review: Canadiens Edge Out Kings 4-3 With Last Minute Comeback (Video Included)
February 4th 2009 19:24
Players celebrating Koivu's game-winner
Unfortunately, the Canadiens got off to a terrible start, repeating the same pattern that sunk them against Florida. In less than five minutes after the start of the first period, Robert Lang took the first penalty and Michal Handzus scored the opener on the ensuing powerplay. Montreal replied halfway through the period when Tomas Plekanec's hard work around the net allowed him to score his tenth of the season after taking the loose puck away from goaltender Jonathan Quick.
The Habs took the lead early in the second period thanks to a powerplay goal by Andrei Kostitsyn right off the face-off. Though Alex Kovalev didn't have a strong game, his obstruction on the defender during the play allowed Kostitsyn to have the space needed to release his shot. The Canadiens were lucky to not be penalized on that play. The goal was all for nothing however as the Kings scored two goals in the span of five minutes to lead 3-2 on the scoreboard.
In the final period, the visitors simply shut down the game, limiting the Canadiens to only six shots, but they hadn't counted on Saku Koivu and Christopher Higgins' determination. With two minutes left in the game, Higgins flew towards L.A.'s net, pushed defenseman Drew Doughty out of his way to tie the game at 3-3. Finally, in the final minute, Koivu deflected Markov's shot from the point to give the Canadiens their second powerplay goal which ended up to be the winning goal.
With that last-gasp victory, the Canadiens stopped their losing streak to four games, their longest in two seasons. A special mention should be awarded to Carey Price who, after exploding in rage after the game in Florida, responded to the challenge with timely saves. When the game was 3-2 L.A., Price kept his team in the game by stopping odd-men rushes, and a breakaway.
My 3 Stars:
3. Carey Price
2. Jarret Stoll
1. Christopher Higgins
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