Post-Game Talk: Habs lose game 2. Capitals lead series 2-0

[Yoor]

It's the attitude that I don't like. McGuire pointed out last night that Laine was visibly frustrated with Hutson when his passes wouldn't land perfectly for his one-timer... I didn't notice that in the 2 periods I've watched but could be. This whole PP1 setup is an utter failure and it's 100% on coaches. Caufield is effectively useless on that PP, and so is pretty much everyone else because the ONLY thing they are trying to do is set up for PL's shot, instead of having that shot as just another tool that can be used should the situration present itself.

You don't need to wait 10 games or for the next season to make adjustments. And even if MSL is being as obtuse as he is and insists on this is how they run PP1, the players on the ice can just say f*** it and do something better. Moving feet would be a great start.

We also lack a shot threat from the blue line and no one timer from the right for some reason. I know this is soo old school but why have all the teams departed from playing 2 d men on the PP? I miss the one timers from the D like heavy shots ala Souray etc...used to work great and also having 2 guys there would allow them to keep the puck in more often and allow the wingers to move close to the net...I don't know like i said i am not up to date with the "new" way of doing things...would we even have anyone that could do that? likely not

 

[JT3]

Late to contribute my thoughts here, but all things considered, I'm happy with where we're at. The core guys have competed hard and we have had the chance to win both of these games, a single bounce or two our way and it could be a 1-1 or 2-0 series in the Habs favour.

Think everything that needs to be said about Laine has been said. I'm sure the knee is part of the problem, but boy is he an absolute disaster right now. At least Pezzetta can bring us some jam and energy, and they probably handle the puck equally well right now, which is a pretty damning statement for Laine.

I would also bring in Xhekaj for Savard. It's clear Savard just can't keep up any more and I don't think his impact on the PK (which imo is a bit overrated at this point anyways) outweighs his negatives at 5v5. Much respect to him and what he's brought to the team the last few years, but he's cooked. People are clamoring for Arber due to the physicality he brings but on top of that I think the simple presence he brings to the team as a whole is the biggest impact. Everyone will stand just a little bit taller with him in the lineup, even if he isn't always on the ice.

All in all, we are still in this series. We've played two very close games as a team that is still incredibly young and has no 2nd line and a handful of other flaws. Very excited to see the Bell Centre rocking tomorrow.

 

[ahmedou]

Directly after the game. I went to play hockey cossom.

It felt good.

Let's do a HFHabs hockey cossom league!

 

[Runner77]

Next game: Xhekaj replaces Struble and Kapanen is in for Laine.

If we go 0-3 or if Savard is injured to the point where is going to be the same or worst than yesterday, I would give Reinbacher a chance.

Unless there is a miracle, we wont won a cup this year, but our young and future core will get a thirst for it, experience the frustration, build on it to eventually become champions.

If Reinbacher is fully recovered, why not let him get some playoff experience. Could be brought in on an 11-7 lineup so his time can be managed.

 

[Bombshell11]

Imagine how bad Mesar would of got manhandled last night eh??

Laine at 9 mil a year is doing so much better though? right?
Height: 6′4″
Weight: 208 lb

 

[Runner77]

They should send a tape to the NHL. Caps should be told enough with the cross-checks to the face. They’ll start handing out 2 minutes now.

Given the Habs’s luck, after filing a complaint to the NHL, their own players will get called for cross checking opponents in the face.

Best to not do anything and initiate facial restructurings of their own.

 

[Redux91]

Laine at 9 mil a year is doing so much better though? right?
Height: 6′4″
Weight: 208 lb

I don't know about 'so much better'
But better than Mesar anyway lol

 

[OldCraig71]

We lack the talent and depth up front to compete. It's that simple. We only have two good lines (Suzuki and Dvorak lines). You can't win playoff series versus good teams with only half of your forwards making positive offensive plays.

And we don't even have a strong enough defensive game and goaltending to cover for it.

I know that Suzuki convinced Hughes not to make roster moves, but it's hard to understand why he didn't use draft picks to get us some depth help.

 

[themilosh]

Yes, another guy sweeps your leg with knee after missed hit, you fall. Have you ever played hockey?

Laine is still Injured.. it's clear.. no player falls like that unless they are protecting their knee.

 

[Bombshell11]

I don't know about 'so much better'
But better than Mesar anyway lol

snooze fest bro

 

[Bombshell11]

Laine is still Injured.. it's clear.. no player falls like that unless they are protecting their knee.

Its pretty stupid to play a guy who's injured and can't skate.

The decisions need to come quicker

 

[themilosh]

I know that Suzuki convinced Hughes not to make roster moves, but it's hard to understand why he didn't use draft picks to get us some depth help.

Bc this year we're not going far in playoffs.. TDL was never the time to start adding. this summer HUGO will add a 2C and a RHD.. camp will show who is worthy.. there's going to be a mass exodus of players who dog summer training and strengthening.. these guys need a holiday after 8 months of work? Ef that.. this isn't the 70s anymore.

 

[themilosh]

Case in point, Corey Perry.



Dunno. Hughes is gonna fight for his boys Newhook and Struble. They both used to be his clients and Struble is considered to be like an adopted son.



Who's a was a what now? Newhook is garbage. He's a crappier, much crappier version of Paul Byron. At 24 he is what he is, a speedy low scoring winger.



I think so does Marty St. Louis.



What'll kill me is if MSL keeps Arber out of all the playoff games. Imagine a kid finally having his chance at a playoff game in MTL but being denied because of Savard's retirement tour and the GM's pet Struble.

If Savard is kept in for game 3, then CH is mailing it in.

 

[Yoor]

Laine is still Injured.. it's clear.. no player falls like that unless they are protecting their knee.

well if that is true and it likely is, what does that say about our medical staff, coaching and management? You would think they would have asked him if everything is ok i mean the medical team certainly should know. I get that players hide injuries sometimes because they want to play but i mean c'mon already. It's a bad look if the team knows he is injured and they keep sending him out there with the risk of even a possible career ending injury at worst or just hampering your chances to win...something is off for sure.

 

[Tuggy]

 

[Saint Patrick]

View attachment 1021759

On par with that beauty from Newhook a few periods earlier.

 

[TRG]

Late to contribute my thoughts here, but all things considered, I'm happy with where we're at. The core guys have competed hard and we have had the chance to win both of these games, a single bounce or two our way and it could be a 1-1 or 2-0 series in the Habs favour.

Think everything that needs to be said about Laine has been said. I'm sure the knee is part of the problem, but boy is he an absolute disaster right now. At least Pezzetta can bring us some jam and energy, and they probably handle the puck equally well right now, which is a pretty damning statement for Laine.

I would also bring in Xhekaj for Savard. It's clear Savard just can't keep up any more and I don't think his impact on the PK (which imo is a bit overrated at this point anyways) outweighs his negatives at 5v5. Much respect to him and what he's brought to the team the last few years, but he's cooked. People are clamoring for Arber due to the physicality he brings but on top of that I think the simple presence he brings to the team as a whole is the biggest impact. Everyone will stand just a little bit taller with him in the lineup, even if he isn't always on the ice.

All in all, we are still in this series. We've played two very close games as a team that is still incredibly young and has no 2nd line and a handful of other flaws. Very excited to see the Bell Centre rocking tomorrow.

Unfortunately I think they won't send Savard to the press box when he's retiring and the series is now back in Montreal

 

[Sorinth]

well if that is true and it likely is, what does that say about our medical staff, coaching and management? You would think they would have asked him if everything is ok i mean the medical team certainly should know. I get that players hide injuries sometimes because they want to play but i mean c'mon already. It's a bad look if the team knows he is injured and they keep sending him out there with the risk of even a possible career ending injury at worst or just hampering your chances to win...something is off for sure.

It's not really a question of knowing whether the player is injured or not, it's the severity of the injury that is unknown and gets downplayed by the player. If they say they are hurt but can still play it's because they believe they can still play and help so you very much get into egos. Also keep in mind some injuries don't really increase in risk/severity by playing.

Now for sure the coach has to be objective about things and look at does the injury hamper his play so much that we are better off with someone else in the lineup. But there's so much information that we as fans don't know so it's hard to judge one way or the other.

 

[donghabs98]

We're right there competing. While it sucks that we lost twice, the games have been tight and exciting.

Our power play is so stagnant, though. There's one play: give it to Laine. But Laine can't shoot for shit right now, so unless we can score on the rush, we're not scoring. Something needs to change there so we can at least be dangerous.

Now idea how to ice a better roster, because it's not like our scratched players are game breakers.

Laine and Demidov should flip units. Laine when his shot isn't going in doesn't do much and right now he's more of a liability out there. The PP is also too predictable and stagnant, we had the same issue when Weber became our only PP weapon. Putting Demidov there will improve movement and make things less predictable

 

[ahmedou]

View attachment 1021759

 

[Mats NAslund]

anyone that doesn’t want to see Xhekaj in and Savard out needs to ask themselves

1. How much worse can Arber be than what we are seeing from Savard

and understand that Savard is done and has been since about mid season. He was already slow and now he’s slow and lost.

Yes Arber will take a bad penalty here and there and make a bad pinch but he will punish people in front of Monty’s net and slot he will lay punishing hits and his teammates will feel comfortable laying a hit and playing little bigger knowing someone other Anderson can step up!

 

[WatchfulElm]

B

By “talented” I assume you mean small and/or soft because Washington has no issue with it, or is Ovechkin not talented ?

Playoffs hockey is a different sport, maybe its just not for you

So playoff hockey is a different sport? Since when? How is it called?

I assume there's a rulebook somewhere? Or is this the only sport in the world in which rules and officiating are 100% arbitrary?

If you enjoy hooking and interference over spectacular goals, if you enjoy giving 2 minutes of penalty for accidental puck in the stand, but nothing for intentional cross checks to the face, then you're right, we're not fan of the same sport.

Geez, I love the intensity and toughness of playoffs hockey. But a serious sport also needs rules, or else there's no difference between hockey and pro wrestling.

 

[Yep]

View attachment 1021766

 

[themilosh]

well if that is true and it likely is, what does that say about our medical staff, coaching and management? You would think they would have asked him if everything is ok i mean the medical team certainly should know. I get that players hide injuries sometimes because they want to play but i mean c'mon already. It's a bad look if the team knows he is injured and they keep sending him out there with the risk of even a possible career ending injury at worst or just hampering your chances to win...something is off for sure.

I dont think he's at any risk of "further" seriously injuring his knee, im sure he still has a brace... but my guess is somewhere in the past 3 weeks he may have tweaked it again, and didnt disclose the severity to medical staff (athletes always lie). He'll be getting surgery right after the playoffs (they all know this), so hell have all summer to recoup.

Come next season, if he is still dogging it he can be traded or simply kept for injury depth. It all comes down on his dedication to become a pro.

 

[CHfan1]

Why is Habs brass not calling out the league for the egregious refereeing we've been seeing?

I’m sure they are. The series has a referee supervisor and teams issue tape after each game of calls or non-calls that they don’t like and things to look out for next game. We just don’t get to see that.