Post-Game Talk: Habs defeat Tampa at the Bell Centre.

[Chili]

Last season against their own division the Habs were 5-13-8. So out of 26 games they only won 5 of them.

This year? They are now 9-4 against the Atlantic, only the Leafs and Bruins have won against them. Impressive turn around so far.

 

[Ozmodiar]

Which hockey mind here can explain why Habs are so good lately? Like gameplay change? Is it the speed? The laine energy surge? Better defensively with Carrier? MSL gameplan finally getting through players head?

Laine.
That’s when the season turned.

They got even better when carrier arrived 8 games later.

Then Dach started producing and Dobes provided some stability, which helped, but by then they were winning.

 

[CaptnNemo]

Demidov watching this team right now!

 

[BeliveauFan4ever]

Anyone spare a minute or two to describe Slaf’s game tonight?

Missed this one.

Slaf is so important to the rebuild/future.

 

[The Real Timo]

They are on a roll, and Confidence is now a real key. They do have the belief. Could we be buyers if we stay in this race?? Does Kent Have to pick up someone to help solidify the lineup?

Yes. First pick this year. Let's get ROR!

 

[JianYang]

Laine.
That’s when the season turned.

They got even better when carrier arrived 8 games later.

Then Dach started producing and Dobes provided some stability, which helped, but by then they were winning.

Carrier was massive too.

Its not just one thing because they did well when Laine went back on the shelf too.

 

[Stoneburg]

Evans is de facto a top 6 player.

 

[Rapala]

They seem to play better when behind, but it would be nice to see them grab a lead & hold it.

You aren't wrong that is exactly how Alex Carrier described what being a good team looks like.
Monty stole this one and it feels good like we are owed a little bit of retribution against that club.

 

[OldCraig71]

Tampa play quite a style. They fully throw caution to the wind with forecheck, cherry picking, and pursuit. They dare you to open the game up, but they do have cracks too, and I’m glad we found a few tonight. They do plenty of “falling” out there as well.
Also… Kooch can kiss my ass.
The Habs need to learn to force the issue when they have something to lose. When we are behind, we up the pressure and the physical game and force errors, while once ahead, there is something to lose and the fear of our own mistakes grows. We need to learn that relaxed winning confidence.

I felt the physical game took a bit of a step back tonight. It has become an important part of our game.

The cost of winning and trying to keep a roster together in a salary cap system. Tampa no longer has the talented depth players of their cup days and they probably lack the space to get better.

Kucherov, Hedman, Point and Vasy are now what is left of that once-dominant roster. We are one of the new kids on the block in the east and our rise is imminent. The future is very bright, blindingly bright.

 

[SergeConstantin74]

Carrier was massive too.

Its not just one thing because they did well when Laine went back on the shelf too.

+ having a winning backup meaning not having to overplay Monty

 

[BigDaddyLurch]

Anyone spare a minute or two to describe Slaf’s game tonight?

Missed this one.

Slaf is so important to the rebuild/future.

...played like a Power Forward...moving his feet is the key...was key to the win...

 

[Retired]

Anyone spare a minute or two to describe Slaf’s game tonight?

Missed this one.

Slaf is so important to the rebuild/future.

He was flying, I don’t recall seeing him standing tall all game. Kid even shot the puck lol.

 

[EveryDay]

Carrier was massive too.

Its not just one thing because they did well when Laine went back on the shelf too.

He was mtl best defenceman tonight.

 

[Rapala]

I wonder if Beck goes back to the Rocket for the game tomorrow they are hurting bad with key injuries.
Nothing to do with his performance here so far.

 

[holy]

I like watching the Guhle mistake happen on the first Lightning goal. Need to have that shit happen to you early in your career, kid telegraphed a simple innocuous play and it back fired. More knowledge in the noggin to bank.

 

[JianYang]

+ having a winning backup meaning not having to overplay Monty

Yeah, there's lots of things.

Last year, the recipe was very specific for a win. It would be a big game from the top line and good goaltending.

This year, each line seems to take turns of stepping up when needed, so the winning recipe has lots of combinations.

 

[OldCraig71]

Anyone spare a minute or two to describe Slaf’s game tonight?

Missed this one.

Slaf is so important to the rebuild/future.

He was moving his feet and imposing his physical will tonight, he scored the first goal that fired up the team, and continued working hard with and without the puck.

 

[The Real Timo]

Pucks in asses always win games.

 

[Sharknado2]

Carrier was massive too.

Its not just one thing because they did well when Laine went back on the shelf too.

I think we have 4 dangerous lines coming at you almost every shift, Wifi has matured, and Carriere is very reliable. No I only panic when Matheson has the puck.

 

[The Real Timo]

He was moving his feet and imposing his physical will tonight, he scored the first goal that fired up the team, and continued working hard with and without the puck.

Agree. Slaf was solid tonight. Not flashy, but solid. No big gaffs.

 

[jrom]

 

[Natey]

That’s a mistake by the NHL, watch the replay - Anderson is the guy who picks the puck up off the boards, and moves it on the backhand to Armia. Armia makes the beautiful pass over to Evans who makes no mistake.

Anderson has become a reliable bottom six guy that plays physical and is easily one of the toughest guys in the league to boot. Really great to see all the guys on that line improve and have good years.

I rewatched it multiple times. Unless there's another angle, it's pretty clear he swipes at the puck and misses, which means Carrier gets the second assist.

 

[BigDaddyLurch]

Pucks in asses always win games.

 

[VirginiaMtlExpat]

This may entail a cavity search going through US Customs next during the next road trip.

 

[BeliveauFan4ever]

Thanks for the Slaf comments guys.

Geez, just watched the highlights. Really do not want to see Evans go. Hope he and team can reach an agreement.

Monty was great.

Suck an egg Kutcherov.