Game 3: The Meltdown in Front of Jean Beliveau
Don't piss off Jean Beliveau!
Really, what the f**k?
Game 3 had good momentum and good vibes as prior to the game, I decided to wander around the Fan Zone in front of the Bell Centre. The Fan Zone is where they close off the street so fans in jerseys can eat $4 hot dogs, $6 beer and hang out in front of the live RDS/TSN feed. To hear a second rate band play covers incorporating “Go Habs Go” in each lyric.
For little peewee hockey kids to shake their buckets and hussle for change as they think one day they can play for the Montreal Canadiens.
Or someone who can hold the lead against Washington.
The funny thing about the zone, it’s the best excuse to drink outdoors in broad daylight, however no one in their right mind wants to spend $6 a cup. There were guys who brought their own beer but being security and all, they all opt to drink in front of the Esso Station. That gas station if the Canadiens can hang out in the series can earn quite a profit in alcohol sales once the Fan Zone is out there.
I checked out centennial square and looked at the bricks and statues celebrating the team that was, where each year there would be a Stanley Cup parade and hockey players were gentlemen, not douchebags or jerkfaces.
That’s when I looked at the one person in hockey I really wish to meet: Jean Beliveau. Well, the statue, not the man (well, not yet).
Game 3: At MadHatters in a make or break for the team and the bar. If we lose, then I’m going to feng shui my playoff plan. It rained for 20 minutes, then a rainbow was cast over the Bell Centre, omen or not?
The bar was quiet for a playoff game, no rowdy guys as it is exam period, a friend of mine opted for sleep over the game. After this entry, I think that was a smart move.
Jean Beliveau was in the crowd, he’s has been at all the home games in the last forty years after he finished his amazing career which resulted in 10 Stanley Cups and the 1st Conn Symthe trophy as playoff MVP.
However, he had been critical of the game and the franchise itself in the last few years. You would feel the same way watching mediocre teams and ‘gasp’, missing the playoffs. Along with the sheer laziness that makes millions, whatever happened to a hard earned pay? Busy getting a lap dance?
The Canadiens came out on four cylinders in the first period. The team was all over Semyon Varlamov but he was solid between the pipes. Ovechkin not even a shot and was frustrated. So far so good.
However in the second period, it was the Canadiens I grew to be familiar with.
The collapse of 3 goals on 13 shots, Halak hadn’t kept it together from the last game. With Ovechkin taunting him through the media, one hoped that Halak can keep his cool and regroup. However, after playing spectacularly during the Olympics and keeping the momentum of being our “#1″ goaltender, Washington chased him out of the pipes.
Poor guy, he really wanted it bad. Time to bring in Carey Price.
A lot of people have issues with Price, how Bob Gainey dubbed him a thoroughbred yet he hasn’t developed yet. Putting a kid and calling him the future of the franchise, it may have worked in Beliveau’s day but not now.
Yes, bit of a partier but that’s what happens when you bring in a small town kid into the big city, see Sergei Kostityn.
Price had nothing to prove that night, he played solid and kept his cool. All he had to do was ease the pain of the collapse. Then Ovechkin got a shot on net, a one timer through the pocket. Jerkface exploded in cheer and mocked the Bell Centre crowd.
Was an asshole. By the way, for the record, no one would be able to stop that shot.
Plekanec got one for us, so at least someone in the bar was able to get free booze. I wallowed in chicken wings, which I regret right now, my stomach feels as bad as that loss.
I have some questions for the defence, what the f**k happened to you guys. Spacek’s giveaway was the reason Halak is sitting on the bench, Bergeron is being crushed by Ovechkin and no one has been able to solve the Backstrom problem. Mike Green is putting in the most ice time and has been effective, where the hell is Andrei Markov?
He’s been quiet so far this series. Not a good sign.
Thinking Jean Beliveau left the game bitter and disappointed. Like the rest of us.
So what now, game 4 is Wednesday. There has to be a few changes. One thing I suggest is bringing in Ryan O’Byrne. He’s been a healthy scratch the last 3 games, we might need the size and because of Markov, a little more confidence.
Yes, Carey Price back in nets, the difference between him and Halak is that he’s familiar with pressure cooker situations, he’s got fresh legs right now and won’t be fazed out by Washington and the microscope he’s under. He’s aware of the situation.
As for myself, going to switch bars, thinking Bifteck from the Olympic luck or anywhere else. Suggestions?
Either way, I hate it when we piss off Jean Beliveau.
