From Holiday Monday, No Holiday For The Habs

You don't think I forgot about Monday night's game, did you?  Nah, I wouldn't do that.  This whole 'going back to work after a long weekend' thing is for the birds, I'll tell you that.  Well, that's have a quick look at what Monday had for us and what it meant to the pool.

The Montreal Canadiens had the chance to tie up their series against the New York Rangers, but being without Carey Price, that task became somewhat mountainous.

The task of backstopping the comeback attempt fell to rookie goaltender Dustin Tokarski, who had his winning ways throughout his career well-documented before the game.

The Canadiens got off to a rocket of a start, pushing the pace in the first 10 minutes of the game, which included the opening goal from Max Pacioretty.  Unfortunately for the Habs, their momentum was short-lived, as 17 seconds later, Ryan McDonagh answered with the tying goal and it was like Montreal just had no answer for the rest of the game.

Rick Nash scored to take a 2-1 lead before the end of the 1st and Martin St. Louis added a 2nd period marker and that's all the Rangers would need, as they ended up taking Game Two, 3-1, as they headed home for Madison Square Gardens with the chance to sweep the Canadiens.

Nash, McDonagh, Derek Stepan and Henrik Lundqvist were your notable players in Game Two, each coming away with 2 points a piece.  Those who were banking somewhat on the Rangers were in luck, as they have been the better team through the first two games and have no sign of letting up either.

There was one positive note for the Canadiens, as Box 17 forward, Alex Galchenyuk, dressed for his first game of these playoffs. He has been out since the regular season with a knee injury, but made a full recovery to play. Sadly, he was deemed ineffective, as a -1 with a minor penalty in 13 minutes of ice-time. Getting his timing back will be key, especially if the Habs are to have any chance at making a return in this series.

Gus M. is now pouring on the pressure on Dale B., thanks to his New York players, as he now sits 3 points back and is taking all the good points away from this series. Don D. has dropped down to 3rd, while Corey M. is in 4th.

John M. currently has the Conference Finals lead in points with 17, but his team currently sits in 13th and will need a bigger push than this to make his move up to any prize position before the Cup Finals.