Halak shuts out Canucks...Habs win! Habs win!

Last night in Montreal, the Canadiens beat the Vancouver Canucks 3-0 for their first victory against Vancouver in 9 years!

Montreal’s 23 year old Slovakian keeper Jan Halak made 34 saves for his first shutout of the season and his third win in his last four starts. No question, a sparkling performance for Halak, but it took a heads up play by defenseman Patrice Brisebois to save his shutout bid with just under 6 minutes to go in the game.

Kevin Bieksa's shot found its way through Halak's pads and the puck was rolling towards the net behind him when Brisebois stepped in and re-directed it into the corner, preserving the then 2-0 Canadiens lead.

With the recent struggles of starting goalie Carey Price since coming off injury last month, Habs coach Guy Carbonneau has made it clear that he will go with the hot hand in net and although Halak says he is not consciously thinking about the No. 1 spot in goal, he is definitely making a case for it with his recent play.

The major difference right now between the two young Montreal goaltenders is confidence. Halak has plenty of it, and his teammates seem to be feeding off of it, while Carey Price has been battling the puck and looking awkward at the best of times.

Vancouver had plenty of opportunities in this game; take the first period full 2 minute 5 on 3 advantage, where Mats Sundin had two glorious opportunities only to be turned away by Halak.

Montreal native Alex Burrows did not enjoy his trip back to his home town rink. His night ended early when he was assessed a 5 minute major and game misconduct for a cross-check in the second period on Patrice Brisebois.

With the win, Montreal was able to retain 5th spot in the Eastern Conference, two points behind the 4th place Philadelphia Flyers.

Vancouver is headed back home to host the Tampa Bay Lightning who will be waiting for them Friday night at the garage.