Game 5: Setting things up for The Moment
The whole city is rooting, even the other heroes
So here we go again.
Immediately after the lost in game 5, we come back to the similar situation: on the verge of elimination. The Canadiens had done this two weeks ago VS Washington, winning the remaining two games.
Question is: can it be done again against Pittsburgh?
Game 5: Back downtown at the Irish Embassy as a friend of mine was enjoying his last night before moving to Ohio for a job. The bar was packed in part due to the UFC fights happening two blocks down from us at the Bell Centre.
It was a busy night in Montreal, the riot cops and helicopters were out just in case.
As always it’s Montreal’s defense all over the superstars and Jaroslav Halak saving with a block here, a glove save there. Pittsburgh’s defense is all over Montreal, frustrating the likes of Gionta, Cammalleri and yes, the good Kostitsyn.
He’s been getting the shots, however not going into the net.
For a while, watching the back and forth, our drunken table started to play the food game: what food do you name a Montreal player after. This came from when someone ordered calamari and thought of Cammalleri. Here’s what they came up with:
PK Sub, eggs and Hamrlik, chicken paraGionta, Lapierogies, Halatkas.
I know, we had a lot to drink.
Couldn’t think of anything for Josh Georges as he misplayed and let Sergei Gonchar take a shot from the side. Probably serve him some goat’s head soup if this mattered.
The crowd started to roar when we came back in the last two minutes of play, we needed one more to tie. One more, Pittsburgh was trying to get the empty net…
Failed. The final was 2-1 Pittsburgh. Back to Montreal for game 6.
Unfortunately we lost Hal Gill in the process, a cut in the leg by a skate. Another defenseman lost.
So now we’re thinking: we’re f**ked. Game over.
I texted my friend about the loss and he still believes that the Habs will take this in 7.
In order to do that, we need to survive game 6 in an arena where playoff dreams die but the fans are loyal and hopeful. We are missing a defenseman that has shut down Crosby and Malkin and helped Halak in shots.
We’re putting the fate in defense with young guys like PK Subban and guys trying to prove themselves like Ryan O’Byrne.
I hate that Halak is winning the hearts of the city and the NHL but Marc Andre Fleury is stealing the wins. The Canadiens need to score in order to win.
Which brings us to now, is it a lot different than two weeks ago: yes. Can we beat Pittsburgh when the chips are down: I hope so.
I’ve never seen Montreal like this before, it’s become magical in the nostalgia that this team can be compared to other Stanley Cup teams where we were the underdogs. It’s made going downtown special. = People’s faces light up watching another great save from Halak.
If it’s the first time seeing a game or the 100th, playoff time can be amazing. Especially when the underdog plays their best.
And boy, Montreal has. Doubted from day one, we have played significantly better than in the regular season. We have taken away a lot of scoring chances from players that have won the scoring title in the last three years.
Now how about that.
We have played spoiler before, we might have room for two more games. Good news: Jaroslav Spacek is back. He shut Ovechkin last I checked. His turn on Crosby.
Will be at the Bifteck later today as I hold a better playoff record on the Plateau than downtown. And with that, a sandwich in my bag (remember to eat, game 3).
Will also be needing some designated drinkers as I can’t drink like Carey Price.
Whatever the outcome is in game 6: whether we win or lose, this has been quite a moment for the team, the fans and the city. It’s 11:00 on the Cinderella playoff clock for Montreal. Question is whether we leave at midnight or keep the party going.
I really hope the party’s not over.
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