Poor Len, again! [Hey! That rhymes! Ed.] In my mid-season review of the performance of the Montréal Canadiens and the various members thereof, I may have given the impression that we fans, not to mention his teammates, the coaching staff and everyone else, lacked confidence in the Habs' backup goalie, Antti Niemi. [Yes, you did. Ed.] After last night's game against the Florida Panthers, you will never read such a suggestion in this column again. I'm sorry.Last night Niemi stopped an incredible 52 shots out of 53 -- a career high for him -- leading les Glorieux to a 5-1 victory, good for fourth place in their division and the first wild card spot in the Eastern Conference, if the playoffs started today. As in Monday night's game at Boston, the opposition scored first, but the Habs replied with determination, speed and a well-balanced attack.
Captain Shea Weber scored the first Montréal goal with a blistering shot from the top of the left circle. Tie Domi broke out of his scoring slump, with not one but two goals. (Unfortunately, the first one was disallowed.) And amazing rookie Jesperi Kotkaniemi scored on a single-handed rush from the blueline, with a Florida defender draped all over him -- one for the highlight reel! Speaking of which, here's the video.
The third star of last night's highly entertaining match was Shea Weber. Tie Domi was No. 2. And the first star, quite rightly, went to Antti Niemi. He received a standing O from the fans, and a huge smile and big hug from starter Carey Price. From me, "Congratulations. Ya done good!" As long as both Price and Niemi stay healthy, I believe we're in good shape for the playoffs. Les Canadiens seront là!
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