INSIDE HOCKEY

An emotional and sentimental night in Montreal was capped by a resounding victory over the Canadiens' bitter rivals, the Boston Bruins. A solid Carey Price and a Mike Cammalleri hat-trick ensured the 5-1 victory, snapping a four-game losing streak for the Habs.

If anyone was going to ruin the party, it would be Boston. Since Montreal dumped Boston out of the 2008 playoffs, the Bs have made life a misery for Montreal. They dominated them last season, and easily swept them out of last year's playoffs. Boston was also out for revenge, following Montreal's shootout win at the TD Garden last month.

Before the game, Habs fans were treated to an emotional ceremony, celebrating the first 100 years of the team. Two more jerseys were raised into the cramped Bell Centre rafters. Elmer Lach (16) and Emile Bouchard (3) joined the legend before the big game.

The Habs have been criticized for drawing out their centennial celebrations for too long, but the pre-game ceremony clearly had an effect on the Habs. Coming off a four-game losing streak, Montreal had been awful in their last two games against divisional rivals Toronto and Buffalo. The Bruins had the potential to embarrass the Habs on a very special night. However, a completely different attitude helped the Habs crush their rivals. The score certainly flattered the home side, but they deserved the win. 

There wasn't much between the teams in the first period. Both sides created a few good chances. Montreal had an early power-play, but Boston's penalty kill held strong. The Bruins nearly took the lead on a short-handed breakaway, but Carey Price may an exceptional save to deny Marco Sturm. 

The Habs took the lead with a bullet from Jaroslav Spacek from the point. The game had been entertaining, but it certainly needed a goal. Boston were by no means out of the game, but Carey Price was looking very sharp between the pipes.

The Bruins started the second period looking to get a grip on the game. However, it turned out to be a disaster. The Bruins wasted a two-minute 5-on-3 opportunity, as the Habs' penalty kill were disciplined and calm. As the power-play ended the Habs doubled their lead. Tomas Plekanec missed the net with a backhanded shot, but the puck found its way to Mike Cammalleri who lashed a shot past Tim Thomas for his first goal of the game.

Both sides created good looks early on in the period, but the Boston defence collapsed after a dreadful mix-up. Blake Wheeler mis-hit his clearance which landed in front of Thomas, who also missed the puck. This allowed Cammalleri to simply steer the puck home for one of the easiest goals of his career.

It got even worse for the Black and Gold when former Bruin Glen Metropolit tipped Hal Gill's (another former Bruin) shot from the point three minutes later to give the Canadiens a four-goal lead. The Habs hadn't dominated the game, but found themselves with a huge advantage. One of Montreal's biggest criticisms this season has been their inability to take their chances, but they were certainly doing their best to turn it around. 

There was no let-up for Boston as Cammalleri sealed a hat-trick moments later. Matt D'Agostini fed him and he blasted home the shot to seal his second hat-trick of the season. The Bruins were stunned. They had out-shot the Habs 18 to 13 in the second period but had conceded four straight goals in the space of nine minutes. The Bruins hadn't played particularly badly, but Price was on top form as the Boston offence were frustrated.

Boston came out for the third period looking to restore some pride. Thomas was finally pulled as backup Tuukka Rask suited up in his place. They had the better of the final period and finally got on the board with 15 minutes remaining. Vladimir Sobotka deflected Matt Humwick's shot to make the score 5-1, and that's how it ended. The Bruins had chances to close the gap, but wasted several good powerplay opportunities, including a four-minute chance after a double-minor penalty on Maxim Lapierre for high-sticking. 

Price made 37 saves to maintain his recent good form. Montreal's offence were efficient and fortunate, while their defence was committed and disciplined, despite giving away a few needless penalties. Next week isn't giong to be any easier for the Habs. They host the Flyers on Monday who are looking to snap out of their funk. After that, the Habs travel to Ottawa before returning home to face the Stanley Cup Champion Pittsburgh Penguins.

Montreal deserved the victory, even if the result flattered them. Price and Cammalleri were emulating Patrick Roy and Guy Lafleur, who for one night were watching and admiring them. One hundred years of success is a lot of pressure to put on a depleted roster. However, the current Canadiens certainly showed they want to be taken seriously, as they move into the next 100 years.