Habs snap the losing streak.

The Montreal Canadiens really have Boston’s number as they now have won four times in a row against the Boston Bruins this season. This time by the score of 4-2.

If we include last season games between the two teams, the Habs have won their last 7 meetings with the Boston Bruins. Yesterday, Montreal started the game by leading 3-0 after the first period. Chris Higgins, Kyle Chipchura and Tomas Plekanec gave the early lead to Montreal. Then came yet another letdown during the second period which the Bruins took advantage of, scoring two goals on rookie goaltender Carey Price.

After two periods, the Habs lead was then cut to only a single goal. Hopefully, the playing intensity came back during the third period, and Matthieu Dandenault scored the insurance goal.

The win came at a cost for the Habs. Bryan Smolinski injuried himself to a knee early in the game and Steve Begin fell hard into the boards, injuring himself to a shoulder. The extend of both injuries will be known later on. The loss of two players forced head coach Guy Carbonneau to shorten his bench during the third period and play with three offensive lines. This decision gave some pace to the team as they defended their lead with success this time.

Ryan O’Byrne did very well in his first NHL game in career. Paired with Roman Hamrlik, O’Byrne ended the evening with 2 assists. The young 6 foot 5 defensemen looks ready for the big league and will put some pressure on the other defensemens. A regular defensemen on the roster will have to leave his spot to O’Byrne.

(Picture: Kyle Chipchura, Canadian Press.)