Canadiens vs. Blackhawks Top Six Minutes: Crawford stonewalls the Habs

For our new readers and members, the Top Six Minutes is a continuation of the discussion in the game thread. We try to keep it light and entertaining. Full recaps are up the morning after every game.

Pre-game

• Isn’t Price just the cutest in hockey? I mean, the Price family. The Price family is the cutest in hockey.

First period

• Today is March 16. Price could win his 316th game tonight. I’m just sayin’.
• Price is tested right out of the gate and he’s ready for it. Of course he is. You think he’s not going to be on his game after that ceremony?
• “The Canadiens’ power play... dismal.” Tell it like it is, Bob.
• Well, that actually wasn’t too painful to watch.
• Bit of a sloppy period by both teams, but I think we’re going to make Crawford earn his paycheck tonight.
• Let’s hope he doesn’t.

Second period

• You know what I think we need this period? A strategy.
• Byron off the post!
• But Murphy gets it between the posts to open the scoring. On their first shot of the period.
• A little two-on-one with Lehkonen and Thompson zoning in on Crawford but Thompson can’t tie it up.
• Looks like the Habs aren’t going for the green beer on Paddy’s Day weekend, they’d rather have turnovers. Get it? Turnovers! Perhaps I’ve had too much green beer.
• The best part of heading to another power play is watching Toews throw a hissy fit.
• That’s not very nice Corey. Haven’t you been paying attention to Lehks crappy puck luck? Next time, I think you should let him score. It’s the decent thing to do.

Third period

• I was right. The Habs are making Crawford earn his paycheck, out-shooting the Blackhawks 30-19. They just have nothing to show for it. Yet.
• We’re heading to a power play just 36 seconds in. Ummm... yay?
• And here come the boos.
• Perlini goes upstairs on Price to make it 2-0.
• Lehkonen beats Crawford this time but not the post. Poor, poor Lehks.
• Forty-eight shots on Crawford but nadda. Well, at least they tried.

EOTP 3 Stars

3) We have our top candidate for power-play coach next season

2) The party’s over

1) Or has it just begun?