They tell you in the Stanley Cup playoffs to look for the team with the hot goalie.  In this year's chase for Lord Stanley's Cup, clearly the hottest of them all is Montreal's Jaroslav Halak.

Seeded eighth in the Eastern Conference, all Halak has done is turn away top seeded Washington and the fourth seed and defending cup champion Pittsburgh Penguins.  If you picked Montreal to get this far in the playoffs, you and I are heading to Vegas or at least to Fond Du Lac to buy lottery tickets.

The Czech netminder has caused quite a sensation.  Taking over for Carey Price after being between the pipes for the Czechs in the Olympics, Halak helped the Canadiens win the eighth and final slot for the playoffs and then stood on his head against the Caps and Pens.  The Canadians await their next opponent, either Philly or Boston after the conclusion of their game seven tomorrow night.

Normally, I hate the Canadiens as much as I despise the Twinkies, Packers, Red Wings and Pistons, but I'm making an exception in this case because my dream matchup for the Stanley Cup finals would be the Chicago Blackhawks vs. Montreal.  Yes, the Hawks have to get past the tough San Jose Sharks, but if they can survive and Montreal can pull off a third miracle, the stage would be set for a rematch almost forty years in the making. 

Yup, I can sure hold a grudge, can't I?