  Montreal Canadiens Christopher Higgins slides past Philadelphia Flyers goaltender Martin Biron into Flyers Mike Richards during the first period of Game 5 second round NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs Saturday, May 3, 2008 in Montreal. (Paul Chiasson/THE CANADIAN PRESS) |
MONTREAL -- They weren't supposed to be here, playing in the early days of May.
But having made it this far will be little consolation to the overachieving Montreal Canadiens, who saw their season end last night with a 6-4 loss to the upstart Philadelphia Flyers at the Bell Centre, going down in five games in their Eastern Conference semifinal.
The young Habs entered the season with few expectations from the experts (many of whom picked them to finish out of the playoffs) or likely many of their fans. But that was probably pretty far from their minds as they -- the last Canadian team in the playoffs -- lined up at centre ice at the Bell Centre to shake the hands of the Flyers.
THERE FOR THE TAKING
This loss will hurt for there was a sense through much of this series the Flyers were there for the taking, but some outstanding play by Flyers goaltender Martin Biron, eight goals in the series from Philly forward R. J. Umberger (two goals last night) and some wonky shooting by the Habs were too much for the Canadiens to overcome.
An empty net goal by Philly's Mike Knuble sealed the deal, turning the Bell Centre crowd silent and sending some fans toward the exits, but most remained and seconds later, they began to applaud and broke into their "Ole, Ole, Ole" chorus for one last time. They rose to their feet, waving towels and chanted "Go Habs, go" as the Flyers clustered in front of their net to congratulate Biron and the Habs circled in front of their bench.
They cheered the Habs mightily for one last time when the players gathered at centre ice and raised their sticks.
"I'm very frustrated and disappointed," said Canadiens captain Saku Koivu. "We felt we definitely outplayed them in the first four games and maybe today, too, and only came up with one win.
"It doesn't feel good right now, but there were a lot of great moments this season. We proved a lot of people wrong and that's something to be proud of. If we keep going as a team, next year looks good for us."
Andrei Kostitsyn, Tomas Plekanec, Alex Kovalev and Christopher Higgins scored for Montreal.
The win continues a stunning turnaround for the Flyers, who finished last in the NHL last year by 11 points. Armed with 12 new players this season, they will now play in the Eastern Conference championship against either the Pittsburgh Penguins or the New York Rangers. The Penguins lead their series 3-1.
"For the guys who were doubted last year it's been a lot of fun and it's a vindication," said Knuble. "We're thrilled where we are and now we can really start thinking, why not us?' We've proven we're not a fluke."
The Canadiens season was ended on a goal by Philly's Scottie Upshall, who deflected a shot going wide by Jeff Carter past the stickhand of Montreal goaltender Carey Price, back in the net after being benched for Game 4, with just over three minutes to go in the third period for a 5-4 lead. Mike Richards and Scott Hartnell also scored on Price. It was an up-and-down night for the rookie goalie.
"We would have liked it if our goaltenders were better," said Canadiens coach Guy Carbonneau, "but in a few weeks, there will be 29 teams saying the same thing."
A dejected Price stood in front of his stall, about to take his pads off for the last time this season.
"We hit a post and they tip one in," he said. "It was that close. They find a hole, we don't and we're going home."
