Saku Koivu wasn't missed during his 5-game suspension, as Montreal went 3-1-1 with close wins over the Canucks and Devils and a decisive 4-1 win over divisional rival Sabres and a tie with the Hurricanes. The only loss in the last ten games was surprisingly to the young Senators.
The keys to recent success over the last 5 games:
(1) Todd White was three times a game star during Saku's absence, getting 5 goals and 3 assists on the second line with Zubrus (1 g, 3 a) and V. Bure (2 a).
(2) Garth Snow was twice the 1st game star.
(3) The makeshift first line: Kariya (3-2), Langkow (1-2), Stillman (2-4).
Honourable mention goes to the powerplay units for four goals in three of the games, and to undrafted Kip Miller for points in his first two games.
The keys to recent success over the last 5 games:
(1) Todd White was three times a game star during Saku's absence, getting 5 goals and 3 assists on the second line with Zubrus (1 g, 3 a) and V. Bure (2 a).
(2) Garth Snow was twice the 1st game star.
(3) The makeshift first line: Kariya (3-2), Langkow (1-2), Stillman (2-4).
Honourable mention goes to the powerplay units for four goals in three of the games, and to undrafted Kip Miller for points in his first two games.