Not Exactly Classics

And they're off!

This week we saw two Habs preseason games back to back, adding up to two preseason losses. Means nothing of course, except for the rooks who are looking to impress.

That said, the first game against Dallas on Tuesday night saw the team fall behind 4-0, only to then make a game out of it scoring 3 quick goals but then ultimately lost 6-3. Carey Price was in nets for the first four against, and thankfully this year, no postgame "Chill out" speech was required.

Nobody's worried about him -- the way it should be. That's what the preseason is for.

Nobody really shined in the opener, as far as prospects are concerned. I kept waiting for someone to show something. Jeff Woywitka scored on a nice setup by Brock Trotter and both players were all over the ice that night, but aside from them, no real standouts. Everyone was shaking off the rust. Trotter definitely showed his improved skating abilities after his KHL stint.

Unless you count everyone's fav ex-Hab, Michael Ryder, who scored and posted an assist against his old club.

Although one thing that was nice to see was Erik Cole scoring -- hope that's not some little preseason blip. I liked the way he drove the net and went to the dirty areas -- just what this team needs!

Last night the Sabres were in town and they took the game 3-1 but there were more standouts from a Habs point of view:

1) Max Pacioretty made his Bell Centre return and received a loud ovation upon his first appearance on the ice. Way to go Max! He looked good, drove the net, did the things we are looking for him to do. Glad he's made a full recovery.

2) Josh Gorges didn't miss a beat. Played a lot of minutes, took hits -- looked like the reliable, steady guy we've come to rely on.

3) Nathan Beaulieu -- this is exciting. The guys on RDS' L'Antichambre were lauding this guy after the game, and for good reason. He made a nice pass to Subban for the Habs only goal and he did not look out of place. He's another puck carrying dman who is going to be very, very good. We're lucky we got this guy. Imagine both him AND Subban on the same team!? It's going to happen pretty soon.

4) Brendan Gallagher -- having a great camp. He's some time away, but this guy looks like he could be our version of Carolina's Jeff Skinner. Hope he makes the National team's junior squad this year.

Habs have a few more game later in the week as the team begins to whittle down the numbers and ice their real team. Still no Markov or Gomez.

It was great to watch hockey again though, even if it was a tad on the boring side...