Can Lightning Strike Thrice?

First Tampa. Now Toronto and Philadelphia?

The big 6-2 win over the Lightning on Saturday night was unlikely. According to Habs Blog:

"The Canadiens won both Florida and Tampa Bay back to back road games for the first time in 18 tries."

Tonight Montreal takes on the Flyers in Philly, who are rumoured to be in an ill temper at les habitants. It seems some Habs took a little too much pleasure in their 5-0 Superbowl Sunday win over the orange & black.

Then, on heels of the Flyer match come the archrival Maple Leafs tomorrow night. Although they've been in a terrible slump, the Leafs played well in a 4-2 loss to Ottawa. Plus they always play the Habs tough. Plus the Habs will be in back-to-back road games while T.O. watches and waits at home. I've had this game circled on my calendar for a month. While a win over the Leafs would go a long way in simultaneously securing that final playoff spot and knocking out their nemesis, the circumstances of the game won't allow me to be the least bit optimistic.

With a pair of tough games like these, it's good that the Habs made hay against the Isles, Panthers and Bolts. If they go 0-for-2, it will be crucial that they don't lose their confidence. This road trip is the final long one for the season, and Montreal's schedule softens up considerably the rest of the way. Things are looking up, but then again, "One never knows, do one."