Post-Game Talk: Capitals win game 1, lead series 1-0

[417]

That might have been the first time I've ever watched the Habs lose in OT and not been devastated.

Maybe its the fsct that we’re playing with house money or maybe its because I generally was very happy with how they played yesterday and thought they deserved a better fate.

If I’m MSL I don’t change a damn thing, everyone is going to reach for the lowest hanging fruit and act like the Habs got ran out the building that they were so scared.

But if anything, as that game went on, the more I felt the Caps were the team intimidated by the Habs skill and speed.

 

[Lshap]

Look at Struble’s game last night, and his advanced stat sheet. Dont try to tell me his better than X in that physical series.

I like what Xhekaj adds, but at this point Struble's the safer choice. 'Safer' isn't always the best choice, but based on last night I wouldn't change the lineup for game 2. That could change if the Habs lose their grip on the series.

 

[That Habs Fan]

I watched last night's game with neighbours who are more casual fans and they were shocked I wasn't more upset by the loss.

It's a very weird feeling to watch playoff games thinking that they're purely bonus hockey and just wanting to see development/considering it a learning experience. We have a decade of good hockey ahead of us, so refreshing after the Bergevin years where we were being carried by Price.

Having said that I absolutely think we can win a couple games vs the Caps, if not win the series. We dominated the third.

 

[Andy]

Recently, i've tried to stay off the board while watching the games because I find it has become extremely negative, in the sense that the doom and gloom never actually matches the performance on the ice.

Yesterday was another example of that. I thought the habs played relatively well for the youngest team to ever make the playoffs, but you wouldn't think that if you read the GDT

Caps came out flying the first 10-12 minutes. but after that, it was about even until the habs took over in the 3rd.

I was expecting the match up to be extremely imbalanced, but yesterday's game was completely winnable. If the Caps are going to play like this the whole series, it's a really a toss up for me on who takes it.

The guys played well, everyone contributed. Hell, even Laine had intensity.

Great game.

Also, I am not sure what this obsession is with breaking up the first line to add demidov there. The first line is successful, and both goals don't really happen if Slaf isn't causing havoc in front of the net. Just bad strategic sense from fans on this one.

 

[417]

You’re 100% right at the very least the icing is waved off if the puck is deemed playable. The fact that the caps D made zero attempt at the puck but cross checks Laine in the back which arrived at the same time as the puck (similar to the Ghule hit) only difference is there wasn’t a big hit but it’s still interference!

Now that being said ……

Struble played 14 minutes and Savard played 12. One of these 2 need to come out of the lineup and Xhekaj needs to be in.

Neither was horrible but neither stepped up, Ghule, Caufield, Hutson, Gallagher Demidov all took heavy big hits with not one forward or D repaying the caps for those hits.

If I’m MSL Laine sits, he’s absolutely useless and replaceable by Caufield and or Demidov for that one timer on the PP.

Caufield Suzuki Demidov
Heinemen Newhook Slaf
Anderson Dvorak Gallagher
Armia Evans A. Xhekaj

Xhekaj’s mandate is to get puck deep in the corners and finish his hits on their D.

He doesn’t have to get a regular shift but just being in the lineup will keep the caps a little more honest ! 7 to 10 minutes of ice.

Demidov needs guys that can keep
Up with him, he’s constantly open on PP2 and Matheson looks him off all the time like he did with Slaf last year and Newhook just isn’t at Demidov speed of execution.

Suzuki and Caufield play at that same pace and I think it’s a perfect fit.

Heineman adds the aspects Laine lacks
Speed, hard forecheck and still has a very good shot!

This is a no brainer but MSL doesn’t have the balls!

Kudos to Montambeault
Best game I’ve watched from him, confident and under control.

He was unlucky on all 3 goals

1st a high stick that’s hits him which then becomes a live puck and Struble not following his man to the net.

2nd Ovi shot he would have had easily if dum dumb Savard stands up to block the shot taking the shooting lane away rather than turning sideways with one leg down.

Puck hits him and deflects in!

OT goal Hutson loses his man combined with Ghule being in no man’s land.

Ovi bats the puck out of the air.

If Montreal continues to get that type of goaltending and cleans up the man to man defence they have a real shot in this series!

Can we stop suggesting Xhekaj play forward?

He’s never played forward and the Habs aren’t sticking him there in the playoffs when he hasn’t played in almost 3 weeks.

There’s more to playing forward than just getting the puck in deep and finishing hits. You have to understand forecheck patterns and when to go and when not too.

The only reason people want Xhekaj in the lineup is because they’re scared of Tom Wilson lol

It didn’t look like anyone was scared of Tom Wilson on the Habs last night, relaaaaaax

 

[Mats NAslund]

That might have been the first time I've ever watched the Habs lose in OT and not been devastated.

Maybe its the fsct that we’re playing with house money or maybe its because I generally was very happy with how they played yesterday and thought they deserved a better fate.

If I’m MSL I don’t change a damn thing, everyone is going to reach for the lowest hanging fruit and act like the Habs got ran out the building that they were so scared.

But if anything, as that game went on, the more I felt the Caps were the team intimidated by the Habs skill and speed.

While I agree, there has been one constant all year and that’s been an anchor 5 on 5 and that’s Laine.

I don’t care how much he makes or how good his shot is.

Even on that icing in OT he def could stood stronger and made a better attempt at touching that puck. The man is massive but folds like a wet paper bag when he gets touches his effort level is nil and doesn’t deserve to be in the lineup.

While he had a positive impact early in the regular season that tapered off once teams adjusted to the Canadiens PP and Montreal was had one of the worst PP’s down the stretch.

He’s easily replaceable on the PP by Caufield and or Demidov!

Heineman would bring a greater element of speed and forecheck to that line 5 on 5 and has a very good shot.

 

[Cole Caulifield]

If Newhook could refine his game just a little, he’d be a great 2nd line player. To me, he’s bottom six. If he improves, great. But this was his audition and he basically showed himself as a depth scorer.

I was watching a podcast last night they were saying it's fine to have small players **if they are really your best most skilled players**. It's fine to have Hutson and Caufield... but you can't have too many small guys. And once you have Hutson and Caufield, is there really room for small average 5'11 players? And it's not just height you know, Suzuki is also 5'11 but he's built like a tank, I don't consider him small. Newhook though? He is small and plays small and IMO, there is no room for players like that in a bottom 6 on a contender. Especially given that we also have Gallagher. I just think Newhook needs to go. I don't want him on the wing, at center or anywhere in our bottom 6. Just my opinion.

 

[MillanDynasty]

View attachment 1019867

Slop.

 

[Lshap]

That might have been the first time I've ever watched the Habs lose in OT and not been devastated.

Maybe its the fsct that we’re playing with house money or maybe its because I generally was very happy with how they played yesterday and thought they deserved a better fate.

If I’m MSL I don’t change a damn thing, everyone is going to reach for the lowest hanging fruit and act like the Habs got ran out the building that they were so scared.

But if anything, as that game went on, the more I felt the Caps were the team intimidated by the Habs skill and speed.

Same reaction, and it's probably because OT for Montreal was a reward for a great comeback. On the other hand OT for Washington was a frustrating consolation for blowing a lead.

 

[Mats NAslund]

Can we stop suggesting Xhekaj play forward?

He’s never played forward and the Habs aren’t sticking him there in the playoffs when he hasn’t played in almost 3 weeks.

There’s more to playing forward than just getting the puck in deep and finishing hits. You have to understand forecheck patterns and when to go and when not too.

The only reason people want Xhekaj in the lineup is because they’re scared of Tom Wilson lol

It didn’t look like anyone was scared of Tom Wilson on the Habs last night, relaaaaaax

Actually if you read the post
He doesn’t need a regular shift you’re essentially playing 7D and rotating him in at forward from time to time to add an element of fear.

Like it or not hockey is a mean game and you need some guys to be a prick in the playoffs. Arber has that DNA.

Having him in isn’t to fight Wilson as you suggest it’s to match the caps heavy intensity they’re going to state the game with again and maybe slow it down.

Only reason Montreal dominated like they did in the third is yes they moved the picked cleaner but also the caps were a tired from the hard forcing they did for 2 periods.

You’re not going to come back from 2-0 every game! You need to match that heavy hard forecheck early

 

[417]

While I agree, there has been one constant all year and that’s been an anchor 5 on 5 and that’s Laine.

I don’t care how much he makes or how good his shot is.

Even on that icing in OT he def could stood stronger and made a better attempt at touching that puck. The man is massive but folds like a wet paper bag when he gets touches his effort level is nil and doesn’t deserve to be in the lineup.

While he had a positive impact early in the regular season that tapered off once teams adjusted to the Canadiens PP and Montreal was had one of the worst PP’s down the stretch.

He’s easily replaceable on the PP by Caufield and or Demidov!

Heineman would bring a greater element of speed and forecheck to that line 5 on 5 and has a very good shot.

You’re being reactionary.

The Habs are going to need Laine if they can win this series, instead of trying to take one of the NHLs best PP weapons, maybe the guys on the ice should do a better job of exploiting other options on the ice.

I have a hard time understanding how any Habs fan can complain about any single player last night.

Y’all just watched the youngest playoff team in history go toe to toe against the #1 Eastern Conference seed and people want guys taken out of the lineup and demoted.

No offense man, I know you’re not hysterical here but man…let’s have some perspective here.

 

[Leon Lucius Black]

Can we stop suggesting Xhekaj play forward?

He’s never played forward and the Habs aren’t sticking him there in the playoffs when he hasn’t played in almost 3 weeks.

There’s more to playing forward than just getting the puck in deep and finishing hits. You have to understand forecheck patterns and when to go and when not too.

The only reason people want Xhekaj in the lineup is because they’re scared of Tom Wilson lol

It didn’t look like anyone was scared of Tom Wilson on the Habs last night, relaaaaaax

The reason the Habs came back was because instead of trying to match up physically with the Caps, they played the game that they've been successful with and when they did that they were all over the Caps in the third.

One player won't make the Habs as physical and tough as the Caps, it'd be like Bob Gainey when he thought having Georges Laraque around would stop Lucic, Chara, Thornton etc from running all over the Habs.

 

[Tyson]

The current make up of the 2nd line will not work.
No one has meshed with Laine and Newhook at all this season and we expect a 19 year old kid to save the day? Ridiculous.
Here is a suggestion- put Laine with Armia and Evans and place Heineman with Newhook and Demidov.
At least Heineman can skate, fore check and hit. Heineman also is responsible defensively.
Laine is going to cost this team the series.

 

[Rapala]

I ain't upset, I expect them to lose agains the Caps with Thompson playing. I've said so from the start.

I though Thompson was swimming around and out of position once we actually started bringing real pressure to their net. I loved our second goal we were relentless up and until Suzuki slowed it down when his chance came. If we are to win this series we need two lines able to bring that type of pressure. Thompson was so bad during that stretch of the game I thought the third goal was coming at anytime.

 

[417]

Same reaction, and it's probably because OT for Montreal was a reward for a great comeback. On the other hand OT for Washington was a frustrating consolation for blowing a lead.

I think that game exposed more vulnerabilities with the Caps then it did the Habs.

We complain about our D but their top 6 is Swiss cheese man.

I hope their game plan is to continue expending massive amounts of energy trying to finish checks, it will play right into the hands of the Habs players.

 

[Hannibal]

I like what Xhekaj adds, but at this point Struble's the safer choice. 'Safer' isn't always the best choice, but based on last night I wouldn't change the lineup for game 2. That could change if the Habs lose their grip on the series.

Its the perfect time to make a change.

 

[417]

Actually if you read the post
He doesn’t need a regular shift you’re essentially playing 7D and rotating him in at forward from time to time to add an element of fear.

Like it or not hockey is a mean game and you need some guys to be a prick in the playoffs. Arber has that DNA.

Having him in isn’t to fight Wilson as you suggest it’s to match the caps heavy intensity they’re going to state the game with again and maybe slow it down.

Only reason Montreal dominated like they did in the third is yes they moved the picked cleaner but also the caps were a tired from the hard forcing they did for 2 periods.

You’re not going to come back from 2-0 every game! You need to match that heavy hard forecheck early

You touched on it, the Habs need to be cleaner/faster in moving the puck.

I don’t see how one of our slowest Dmen at moving the puck helps.

The Caps came out EXACTLY as we all expected them to but physicality/intimidation, was NOT the story of last night.

Not even close.

 

[rik schau]

The lads need not hang their heads after a loss in where they took one of the leagues best team to extra time. They kept it close and were the better team in the third. All the more impressive as many of Montreal's players did not play to what they are capable of. Is Montreal the underdog? sure they are but if the players play up to the level they are capable of, should be an interesting series and I would not bet against them.

 

[Hostile Offer]

Actually our PP was better before Laine joined it. We were top 15. Then he went on that crazy PP run when he first joined which briefly put it in top 10, but by end of season it was down to 21st. It's been brutal for awhile.

I wouldn't look into the stats too much there, PPs can be quite streaky and Caufield was scoring goals by will to start the season, who knows how well the PP would've held up if Laine was out the whole year (remember we also started the year with Matheson QB'ing PP1 and no one's complaining that Hutson took his place even if the basic stats aren't that much better with Hutson)? That shot is such a massive weapon we'd be just foolish not to deploy it, and who knows, maybe Laine can go on another crazy run like when he first joined the team. Elite goalscorers are streaky, and Laine is no exception to that.

 

[417]

The reason the Habs came back was because instead of trying to match up physically with the Caps, they played the game that they've been successful with and when they did that they were all over the Caps in the third.

One player won't make the Habs as physical and tough as the Caps, it'd be like Bob Gainey when he thought having Georges Laraque around would stop Lucic, Chara, Thornton etc from running all over the Habs.

Exactly, play to your identity.

 

[Lshap]

Its the perfect time to make a change.

I'd be fine with Xhekaj in the lineup. More than fine, to be honest.

But putting him in means playing a higher-risk game. Based on how well the Habs adapted, I don't see the need to change the defensive pairings. Not yet.

 

[Cole Caulifield]

My last comment about the reffing. One problem the NHL have is they pick refs which are native to the province/state. People will say refs are unbiased but the reality is that humans are biased in all kinds of ways. If you put a Quebec refs in charge of a Montreal game, they will want to show they are unbiased and overdo it, or they will have a bias for the habs. The line is fine to be truly unbiased and call a 100% fair game. And if I am caps fan, I think the other way, I think why do they put quebecers to ref a game with the habs ? The problem is there is an appearance of bias whether that bias is real or not, there is clearly an appearance. The NHL needs to try and avoid as much as possible appearance of bias and they don't. They don't care about it as was evident with the whole Campbell father and son thing. As long as this is going to be this way, the NHL will lack credibility in my opinion.

 

[Rapala]

In Re Demidov : Not surprised at all. Reg Season Int'l rink size to NHL Playoffs NA rink size is a sizeable adaptation, especially when you're game is at least somewhat cerebral.

I'm not sure why rink size gets continually brought up even by people who should know better.
The dimensions of SKA's ice surface is standard NHL. Demidov played at least half his games on what is commonly called NA ice. This was brought up in his first KHL game and many more times since.

 

[Mats NAslund]

You’re being reactionary.

The Habs are going to need Laine if they can win this series, instead of trying to take one of the NHLs best PP weapons, maybe the guys on the ice should do a better job of exploiting other options on the ice.

I have a hard time understanding how any Habs fan can complain about any single player last night.

Y’all just watched the youngest playoff team in history go toe to toe against the #1 Eastern Conference seed and people want guys taken out of the lineup and demoted.

No offense man, I know you’re not hysterical here but man…let’s have some perspective here.

Umm Montreal PP ranked 21st in the league ! At 20.1 % if This PP was top 5 or top even id say ya you’re right but it’s not even close!

There’s more of an arguing to keep Savard in the lineup then there is Laine !

I think you need to look up stats before posting stuff.

5 on 5 Laine has been useless and a liability. Effort level and give a shit factor is atrocious.

There’s also has to be a reason he’s been booted out of every team he’s played for.

Where there’s smoke there’s fire !

 

[Victoire HuGo]

FWIW I didn't think Laine was terrible last night. Sadly we've seen many worse nights from him this year.