Canadiens 5, Penguins 2

So what happened?

First off, congratulations to the Canadiens. They played a great game and were the better team in the series.

Fleury just didn't have it last night, from the first goal he allowed to the last one, those pucks simply cannot go in the net.

Having said that, I really thought the Pens were going to make it back to at least tie the game. I haven't seen them play like they were playing late in the second period (and start of the third) in a long time. That begs the question: where was this desperation and level of play through the series?

The Pens cut the lead to 4-2 and were flying. They had a power play to start the third. It all looked set up for a comeback. Sid and Geno both had shots point blank on Halak, but the Montreal netminder was able to stonewall both of them. Sid tried to get the puck up, but Halak was on top of him, and Geno needed to get the puck up, but he couldn't because of the pass he was taking. That sealed the fate of the Pens.

Halak was the story of the series. When the Habs won, it was largely because of him. That was never more true than last night. He held the fort and kept the Pens from being able to come all the way back.

Ending the season this way certainly stings.

Who scored?
Kunitz (4), Staal (3)

Any surprises?
One goal each in the series from Sid and Geno.

Where do we go from here?
The Consol Energy Center will open next October!

Notes:

• It was a turbulent season and a turbulent post season. Probably best we put this one behind us and look ahead.