Canadiens Weekly Wrap Up: Pat Burns, Carey Price and Monday Night Mayhem

After last Tuesday's game against the Philadelphia Flyers, something told me this week's column would be a little longer than usual. My spidey-sense was all over the place with good and bad things to come as the week continued to roll on.

Before we get started recapping the seven days that were, I'd like to devote a little time to one of the greatest NHL coaches of all time. A man we all, as Habs fans, lost on Friday afternoon after a long-fought battle with colon cancer.

So long Pat.

Pat Burns got his start in the National Hockey League with the Montreal Canadiens; although I was only four years old at the time, he will forever be apart of my earliest hockey memories.

His feisty attitude on the bench captivated me as I saw my hometown Habs compile four straight winning records with Coach Burns at the helm. Two adams division titles and one Stanley Cup Finals appearance in his rookie year.

As Burns moved on to coach the Leafs, the Bruins and the New Jersey Devils, my admiration for the Sherbrooke native never left. One can say that his career officially came full circle when he won the holy grail with the Devils during the 2002-2003 season. The highlight of a career that spanned over 1000 games and saw him win three Jack Adams trophies with three different squads—the only coach to do it in history.

On a more recent note, Burns shared his insights on CKAC's morning sports AM talk show making my short drive to work that much better. Constantly entertaining us with stories, opinion and analysis.

Pat was a fighter until the end, my sincere condolences to the Burns family and everyone that had the privilege of working with him. 

I plead with the Hall Of Fame induction committee, don't even let this go to a vote. One of the greatest hockey minds of our generation should most definitely get the recognition he deserves.

Now for those who were too busy watching re-runs of the Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air, here's a little scoreboard recap.

Tuesday November 16th

Philadelphia Flyers 0 - Montreal Canadiens 3

Thursday November 18th

Nashville Predators 3 - Montreal Canadiens 0

Saturday November 20th

Toronto Maple Leafs 0 - Montreal Canadiens 2

Carey Price, very nice.

Three games, two shutouts for last week's first star, Carey Price. Another stellar week where I firmly believe he should get that honor once more.

It's certainly tough to find competition for the young net-minder, his performances throughout the season have seen a more focused Price live up to his tremendous potential.

Price looks like he's playing with a lot more confidence this year—always in position, rapid lateral movement and intelligent escapades out of his crease. 

Four shutouts, 12 wins and a 2.00 save percentage has the Bell Center faithful absolutely enchanted. For all of you non-believers, I've embedded a video of Jaroslav Halak's goalie gaffe against the Detroit Red Wings.

Sweet clumsy justice.

Monday Night Mayhem?

The dangerous Philadelphia Flyers rolled into town last Tuesday. After getting frustrated by Carey Price's talents, Peter Laviolette and his Broadstreet Bullies 2.0 decided to set-up tomorrow evening's game against the Canadiens.

Only big difference is that it's in Philadelphia this time. With that in mind, here's the three keys to success for the Habs.

1. Don't get intimidated. It's bad enough they have to face a bunch of Neanderthals on the ice—add that up to the tough Philadelphia crowd and you've got yourself one helluva challenge. It will be of vital importance for the Canadiens to not be intimidated by the crowd or the rough play they will be exposed to. As we saw last week, the only way to retract this kitty's claws is by continuing to play your game. Sticking to the plan, man.
2. Protect Carey Price. Getting shutout by a hot goalie is a perfectly normal occurrence, having it happen twice in less than a week is downright frustrating. The Flyers will look to brake late, cover him with snow and crash the crease every opportunity they get. For this to be nullified, close quarters defending will be required. Crease clearing for those of you that don't get the lingo. 
3. Shutdown the big guns. What sets the Flyers apart from many others is the pure talent easily visible on the squad. Names like Pronger, Briere and Carter are always dangerous to deal with. Shutting them down with smart defensive play will be required to survive. Answering back with quick counter-attacks will be essential to prevail.

I don't know about you, but I can't wait for this game. It looks like it has every ingredient necessary for a barn-burner. Here's to hoping the Habs don't get too banged up. A four-game schedule is always a little harder on some of the veterans.

Besides the Bullies, here's what the Canadiens have lined-up this week.

Monday November 22nd

Montreal Canadiens @ Philadelphia Flyers

Wednesday November 24th

Los Angeles Kings @ Montreal Canadiens

Friday November 26th

Montreal Canadiens @ Atlanta Thrashers

Saturday November 27th

Buffalo Sabres @ Montreal Canadiens

That's it for this week's edition of the wrap-up peeps, remember to follow me on Twitter (@SupaflySteve) for no exclusive breaking news whatsoever. 

Until next time, you stay classy Hab-hounds.