Canadiens Catch a Break
April 25, 2008 by Tyler
Filed under Hockey Videos
As a known Canadiens fan, I am overjoyed at the outcome of Game 1 between the Habs and the Flyers. That said, I will admit that the Canadiens caught a break from the boys in stripes.
No, I am not talking about the goal that Alexei Kovalev scored to tie the game at two. That goal was legitimate and it was proven that the puck was struck by Kovalev’s stick below the crossbar. The following video includes the slow motion replay that proves the goal is legitimate.
An NHL Digest subscriber (and obvious Habs Hater) sent the following quote after watching this video:
“Not only can’t I understand anything in the video… the Habs are pure Euro-rubbish.”
While he is obviously concerned about Kovalev’s goal, I am more concerned with the questionble kneeing call on Richards when he caught Kovalev cutting to the inside near the blueline.
I will not deny that Richards’ knee was out, but it was that way because he was cutting back to make the hit. I will ask you to focus on the contact between Richards and Kovalev. The following video (about 6-7 seconds in) clearly shows that Richards’ lower arm and hip made contact with Kovalev’s hip.
This penalty sparked the downfall of the Flyers.
Making Kovalev angry is like waking a sleeping giant! Just ask the Boston Bruins, who felt the wrath of a helmet-less and angry Kovalev after being mulled by Chara along the boards.
I expect this series to be a hard fought battle that will last several games. The Flyers should be out for revenge in Game 2 and Carbonneau will have the Canadiens on point with something to prove to the hometown fans!
If you can locate the CBC feed for Game 2, I highly suggest that you watch it – It’s going to be a dandy!
Tim on Fri, 25th Apr 2008 7:08 pm
There is a lot of talk about the Habs getting the “breaks” last night. Funny no one talks about:
-the 2 posts hit in the 1st period by the Habs
-the puck beating Biron, but laying behind him late in the 3rd on the Smolinski chance
-the “own” goal by Breezy in the 1st
-the goal in the third that went off Lupol’s foot/leg
But the talk is :
the alleged “high stick” goal that was proved to be conclusively legit by the “war room” in Toronto
-the knee, that whether it was or wasn’t a penalty in slow motion, at that point in the game with the Habs most dangerous player breaking in on a rush you better be certain you get full body, not a piece with your hip/knee/shoulder. This giving the Habs there SECOND PP of the night, this against the most penalized team in the NHL during the regular season and playoffs.
-a broken stick on the last draw
I think instead of talking about the Habs getting the “breaks” we should talk more about them taking advantage of the breaks they got.