In a familiar twist, our team has been blanked all five times by a score of 3-0. Ben Bishop did it Thursday. At least it was Carey Price (34 saves). Price hasn’t allowed a goal to us in over 215 minutes. He has their number. Though to hear Michael Del Zotto tell it, they turn every goalie into a superstar. While that’s true, at least Price is an elite goalie who should challenge for the Vezina. He was pretty strong stopping all 17 Ranger shots in a busy first. Somehow, the Canadiens led 2-0. Ryder took advantage of a weird carom to beat Marty Biron in the opening minute. Tomas Plekanec cashed in on an odd-man break at 18:11.

Even in a period in which they responded to an unfortunate start, it typified the kind of season it’s been. They fore checked and generated opportunities. But Price was a brick wall. It wouldn’t have mattered if John Tortorella started Henrik Lundqvist again. This team finds ways to lose. Lundqvist has been experiencing headaches since taking a Dan Girardi elbow to the head. He might be being tested for a concussion. If he’s out, forget it. Not that they give you much hope to begin with. This has all the makings of the pre-lockout teams. Classic underachievers.

Brendan Gallagher tacked on one more for good measure halfway through the contest when he notched his 11th on the power play. He took advantage of a Rick Nash interference minor. Nash knocked over Price for the penalty. Battling for position with Norris front runner P.K. Subban, he fell into Price for an obvious call. The kind you can’t take when you’re down two against a goalie they can’t beat. Especially in a building that’s been a house of horrors. They’ve now lost eight straight in Montreal with their last win coming on Oct.24, 2009. Making matters worse, they haven’t scored a goal in Biron’s last four starts at Bell Centre. He always gives our team a chance. But if you can’t finish, you’re screwed.

Gallagher had a tremendous game for the Habs. In his first year, he has 11 goals, nine assists and 20 points with a plus-eight rating. He does everything well. Back checks ferociously. Forces turnovers. And scores big goals. Jonathan Huberdeau (2 assists in win over Devils) might lead all rookies in scoring. But if I had a vote, it’d be for Gallagher. He’s made a real difference on a team nobody had challenging for tops in the Conference. That’s if the Pens ever lose again after stealing Jarome Iginla. Gallagher is real impressive. Not bad for a fifth round pick (2010-147th overall).

Brandon Prust also returned to face his former club. He took 18 shifts (14:52) and played two less seconds than Max Pacioretty. The guy who plastered Ryan McDonagh’s face. Of course, our team did nothing in the final meeting. They’re soft as Hostess. Mats Zuccarello led them in hits with six. Zuccarello looked decent in his debut, logging over 18 minutes while seeing time with Brad Richards and Marian Gaborik. He created chances on the one power play they had. Zucc plays hard. Hopefully, he can help our punch less roster.

It’s still hard to believe Arron Asham didn’t dress. Why did they sign him? Nothing makes sense this year. I no longer feel the need to watch every second. That’s what this team does to you. It’s become lifeless.