Dust clears, Ryder's still here

[Habsfan84]

Michael Ryder said he isn't one to get involved in the emotional highs or lows of trade rumours. And, given the amount of times he was supposed to be traded over the past several weeks, that was undoubtedly a wise move.
But, for one day at least, Ryder followed the machinations and various scenarios that were played out.
The National Hockey League's trade deadline came and went yesterday afternoon with Ryder remaining part of the Canadiens. And there probably was no one - fans and media alike - more surprised by the stunning turn of events than Ryder himself. At least according to teammate Christopher Higgins.

That might have been why Ryder was conspicuous by his absence in Montreal's dressing room for the longest time last night. It was only after repeated media requests that he sheepishly emerged.
"Well, my name definitely was thrown around for a while," he said. "I don't follow rumours, but this was the first day I followed it. I was nervous at times, but I'm still part of the team."
Ryder wasn't outstanding against the Atlanta Thrashers at the Bell Centre, but he occasionally made his presence felt. He played 15 shifts, totalling a modest 12 minutes, 40 seconds. He registered two shots, took two penalties - one for goaltender interference, meaning he at least went to the net - and, by the end of the night, was reunited on a line with Higgins and Saku Koivu.
Ryder played on the power play, and his nifty cross-ice pass to Higgins two minutes into the third period resulted in the first of Higgins's two goals and proved to be the winner in this 5-1 decision. It was the first of four consecutive goals against Kari Lehtonen in slightly less than seven minutes.
Ryder's problems this season have been well documented. A two-time 30-goal scorer, he has 12 goals and 24 points through 54 games. Although he's eligible to become an unrestricted free agent, GM Bob Gainey still believes in the 27-year-old.
"This hasn't been an easy year for him, but he's a good player," Gainey said. "He's an excellent
offensive player with skills that aren't easy to find."
It had been speculated Ryder was going to Calgary for Alex Tanguay, or that he would be part of a package to the Thrashers for Marian Hossa. Gainey stressed the only offers for Ryder the last two months were "sideways deals," so he was retained.
Despite the surprising departure of goaltender Cristobal Huet, the Canadiens played like a team that appeared relieved, especially Higgins, whom the Thrashers are believed to have coveted in any potential package for Hossa. Higgins recorded his first two-goal game this season; his first three-point game since early January.
"I was definitely more relaxed out there, but that's no excuse for the way I've played," he said. "I wasn't happy to see (Huet) go. That's obvious. I'm sad and surprised. I think of him as an unbelievable goalie ... and it's emotional to see him go."
While it's only one game, the players now realize this is the team that will sink or swim this season. The organization has sent a message, and it was unwilling to potentially rip the future out of this squad for one player.

"For the last week or 10 days, it's been tough on all players in the NHL," coach Guy Carbonneau said. "You try to black it out, but it's impossible, even if your name isn't out there. I don't think a lot of them slept this afternoon. Bob Gainey was right. You set a price of what you can afford. When it's too high, you turn the page."
And for those who believe the Canadiens are a weaker team today than 24 hours ago, their captain disagrees.
"We won," Koivu said. "We lost three days ago (against Columbus) so I guess we are better. At the deadline, it's not about one player. It's about the team."