Ten takeaways from the Canadiens vs. Ducks game: A fun night of firsts

1. Someone please tell Michael McCarron to stop fighting

It is only natural that a player of his size, one who plays rather physically, will end up in some fights. Fighting for the sake of fighting is pointless, especially when you have skills like McCarron does. I'd much rather see him use his hands to tip pucks in front of the net, or dishing passes into the slot for scoring chances. Besides, isn't throwing fists what Mike Brown is there for?

2. Never separate Pacioretty and Galchenyuk

Even with this lost season winding down, it's given the Canadiens one giant shining ball of hope. Max Pacioretty and Alex Galchenyuk have been lethal since being paired up and even when the team is fully healthy they shouldn't be separated. Their goal tonight was just another in a series of great plays where the duo terrorized an opposing goalie. It should also be noted that with a halfway decent winger such as a Daniel Carr or Sven Andrighetto, it frees up Brendan Gallagher to bolster another line.

3. Enigmatic Emelin

There has been a lot of grief directed at Alexei Emelin since he signed his new contract, big money, term and an no move clause all included. That said this season has quite possibly been his best in a Canadiens uniform, even more so considering how injury-plagued this team is. The Russian is playing his physical style, but is picking his spots for big hits and has been great defensively. You can argue he's paid too much for the role he plays, but for now it's nice to see him playing well.

4. Mike Brown: Offensive Juggernaut

It's no secret I think players of Brown's ilk have no place in the NHL and don't bring much to the lineup. Then nights like tonight happen and grinder has a big game and makes me look like an idiot. Brown scored his first goal in fifty games and added an assist on Lucas Lessio's first goal of the year. Not only did Brown score, but he scored a goalscorer's goal, it wasn't some scramble in the net, he went top shelf on John Gibson and the Ducks should feel shame.

5. Plekanec lands among the Habs greats

With an assist on Torrey Mitchell's goal in the first period Tomas Plekanec tied Guy Carbonneau for 18th all time in scoring among Habs players. When you consider how many players have worn the CH and how long the team has been around it's an impressive accomplishment for Plekanec. The Czech forward is also closing in on a 50 point season too, maybe all the critics of his contract should realize how productive he's been with the way this season has gone.

6. A night of firsts

This was a game full of firsts for the Canadiens youthful lineup,no offense to the spry 30 year old Mike Brown. Emergency recall and UFA signing Joel Hanley recorded his first two NHL points with a pair of assists, while his partner Darren Dietz recorded his first NHL assist as well. Dietz's assist also came on Lucas Lessio's first goal as a Hab,which was also the game winning goal. Sure it's been a rough year, but it certainly has had it's bright spots as of late.

7. The Habs get to play the role of spoiler now

The Habs chances of making the post season are smaller than my chance at becoming president of the United States. However, they now get to play the role of spoiler for teams in the playoff hunt in the last month of the season. With upcoming game against the Red Wings there is a very good chance the Canadiens could play a major role in breaking the biggest streak in professional sports.

8. Damn! Danault

While he hasn't posted a ton of points since being acquired from Chicago there's a lot to like about Phillip Danault. He plays at 100mph every shift, forechecks hard, and creates chances in the offensive zone for his linemates. I'm not saying he's Lars Eller, but there's a lot of similarities between the two players and that will benefit the Habs bottom six next season.

9.The tank is definitely on

Let's be honest at this point grabbing a top five draft pick and getting a fully healthy line up next year is the best possible outcome, but...

10. Winning games is still fun

Let's be honest, no one wants to see their favorite team lose night in and night out. The game against the Ducks was fun, lots of goals, a fight, plenty of special moments to go around. They don't have to win every game, hell they could lose every game for the rest of the year, but please make it entertaining.