Habs Explode in Third

The Montreal Canadiens, also known as the Comeback Masters, literally exploded offensively in the last ten minutes of play last night against the New York Islanders.  Trailing by three goals coming in to the third period, the Canadiens' key players came in at the most opportune times.

In the first period, Montreal got on the board early. Alex Kovalev scored on former teammate Yann Danis, after a magnificent feed from Thomas Plekanec from behind the net.  Then there were some problems. 

Montreal then allowed two consecutive goals from the Islanders.  Former Canadien ,Mark Streit, let go a howitzer from the point, tying up the game. And then a weak wrist shot, from just inside the blue line, from Frans Nielsen, beat frustrated Carey Price low blocker.

The second period wasn't much different from the first for the Habs.  Carey Price allowed another two goals, scored by Bill Guerin on a tip from a point shot, and another wrister by Frans Nielsen, this time in the crease in front of Price. 

Even after letting in four consecutive goals, Carey still wasn't pulled. 

At the second intermission, Carbonneau must have said something that sparked up the Canadiens. Because in the third period, Montreal absolutely dominated with an offensive explosion, scoring a total of four goals. 

Plekanec gave the Habs their second and third goals of the game. Both goals scored right in front of the Islander's net binder, cutting New York's lead to one.  Then with six minutes to go, Christopher Higgins took a snap shot from, once again, right in front of the net, beating Yann Danis and tying the game up at 4-4.

Finally, with four minutes left in the game, Markov whips one from the point, and guess who's there to complete the comeback: None other than Alex Kovalev, on a beautiful tip-in.

In the dying seconds, the Islanders were pressing, firing shots from everywhere. But Price, despite letting in four goals, stayed focused and strong, giving the Canadiens the 5-4 win.

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