Rocket:

So this is Gary Bettman’s NHL. A Georgia-based team beats an original six franchise in a half-empty arena. So why is he so opposed to relocating to Hamilton, Kitchener, Winnipeg or Quebec City?

The Thrashers have been averaging just over 14,000 fans per home game. Tonight’s announced attendance was 13,076. But that number is paid attendance not turnstile count. The lower bowl was about one third empty. There’s more excitement at a Canadiens practise in Brossard.

The crowd was small and quiet. The teams responded accordingly in a slow-skating, no-hitting affair.

Look at the names on the scoring summary: Christensen, Thorburn, Peverley, Bogosian, Pacioretty and Begin. Believe it or not, Steve Begin is the highest goal scorer on that list with 6 for the season. That should give you a good idea about the tempo of tonight’s game.

The Canadiens actually got off to a good start with a dominating shift from the Lang line. Shortly after Jaroslav Halak gave up his first soft goal. Jaro was again caught deep in his crease. The puck found its way between his body and his arm. Francis Bouillon and Patice Brisebois were on the the ice for the goal. It was the beginning of a bad night for the bottom four defenseman on the Canadiens.

Roman Hamrlik was probably the worst of the bunch. Hamrlik had an awful first period. He made bad decisions, was prone to bad decisions and most surprisingly, was outmuscled for the puck at times. Gorges, Bouillon and Brisebois also struggled all game long.

All three goals given up by Halak were stoppable. Jaro really needs to work on his poor technique. Halak’s won-loss record during Price’s injury is not reflective of his play. Jaro has benefited from the Canadiens scoring almost 4 goals a game during a 14 game stretch.

Carey Price came into the game early in the second period after Halak gave up the third Atlanta goal. Carey looked good, in both a hockey and style sense, sporting his new all-red pads and making some solid saves. His only goal against resulted from a puck that was going wide of the net and deflected off Thorburn. Josh Gorges couldn’t handle the Atlanta player.

Max Pacioretty was the best Canadiens forward. Max had a couple of big hits, was creating scoring chances and drawing penalties. Pacioretty scored when he was in perfect position parked in front of the crease to sweep in a rebound from a Markov point shot. I also thought that Matt D’Agostini played very well.

Mike Komisarek blocked three shots including a goal-saver against Kovalchuk. Andrei Markov registered an assist.

This was a real disappointing effort particularly by Jaroslav Halak and the defensive corps. Guy Carbonneau will have to do a better job getting his team ready for tomorrow’s game in New Jersey.

Pre-game:

The Canadiens unveiled a new NHL-size outdoor rink as a gift to the community of Villeray / Saint-Michel / Parc Extension. Kudos to George Gillett and Pierre Boivin.

Tanguay, Higgins, Dandenault, Koivu, Laraque out with injuries. Chipchura is a healthy scratch. Price will back-up Halak.

Rocket’s 3 stars:

1. Chris Thorburn
2. Max Pacioretty
3. Zach Bogosian

(photo credit: AP photo)