Series Talk: [M1] Washington Capitals vs [WC2] Montreal Canadiens (WAS Leads 2-0)

[le_sean]

Only 4 teams had a worse xGF% and only 3 teams had a worse SF% than the Canadiens at 5v5. Not saying they can’t carry the play, but it doesn’t seem like they did so very often in the regular season.

They don’t carry play, you’re right. The Habs are a one line team. That isn’t to say the other lines never contribute, but they don’t do it consistently.

Basically one of the best 1st lines in the league. But our 3rd line that is the de facto 2nd line because that 2nd line (Demidov, Laine, Newhook) cannot be trusted with a single defensive zone faceoff or with the lead in the 3rd period. The 4th line was great but Armia hurt his hand weeks ago and can’t shoot. They’ve been floundering since.

The X factor (offensively speaking) is Demidov. But it’s a tall order for a rookie and his linemates aren’t trustworthy. Plus he’s a kid and still slight. The Caps are a heavy team.

 

[Carlzner]

 

[KAWAIlllI]

Upset warning! Can totally see the Habs win this in 7. Would be great

 

[nothingbeatshockey]

The Caps during the Ovie chase win this in 5. The Caps after Ovie's chase lose this in 6. Depends on which team shows up.

 

[NHL Canadiens]

I voted Habs in 7, but I think the Caps will dominate some of the games and the Habs will barely win each games they win, like in 2010.

 

[Seb]

WHY NOT US
WHY NOT NOW

 

[FerrisRox]

On the other hand, Dvorak finally gets a playoff taste. I don't think he's ever had one.

Dvorak played 9-games in the 2020 playoffs with the Coyotes.

 

[CactusCap]

Caps win in 5 games. Caps get 3 SHG. Ovechkin leads team with 9 points. Wilson leads team with 5 goals.

Canadiens score 8 goals total including a 4-2 victory. Caps win 2-1, 4-0, 5-2, 3-1. Not necessarily in that order.

 

[Super Fadio Bro]

WHY NOT US
WHY NOT NOW

Because you will lose in 6 games, that's why.

 

[JianYang]

Dvorak played 9-games in the 2020 playoffs with the Coyotes.

I stand corrected. I have no memory of the cotoyes being in the 2020 playoffs....or alot of things in the covid time for that matter.

 

[habsnacks]

Caps win in 5 games. Caps get 3 SHG. Ovechkin leads team with 9 points. Wilson leads team with 5 goals.

Canadiens score 8 goals total including a 4-2 victory. Caps win 2-1, 4-0, 5-2, 3-1. Not necessarily in that order.

Haha this is so oddly specific

 

[BigDaddyLurch]

Because you will lose in 6 games, that's why.

...the Habs seem to live rent free in your head, amigo...did Youppi hurt you??...

 

[Sparky]

Assuming Protas returns we'll probably see some high-quality offensive shifts for both teams. That top line for Montreal is about as high event as you can get.

 

[Hattrick Kane]

How fast is Washington as a whole? I’ve noticed that the Habs have major problems with teams that continually attack with speed.

 

[kp61c]

Montreal is the 7th biggest team in the NHL, why do people keep saying this?

really? it's the way they play then. expect them to be manhandled by the caps in the series.

 

[Sasha Orlov]

really? it's the way they play then. expect them to be manhandled by the caps in the series.

Sure man

 

[MXD]

understand the usual "house money" idea being floated on here given the teams young core but do any habs really believe the team wont be getting booed like crazy at home if they arent doing well. If you believe there is no pressure to win for montreal your delusional. Original 6 fan base will be nuts and expecting to win.

No.

 

[Sparky]

How fast is Washington as a whole? I’ve noticed that the Habs have major problems with teams that continually attack with speed.

Caps aren't a fast team but have a fair bit of speed in the lineup, if that makes sense. There's a guy on every line who can burn you, a couple of D who who do the same. Caps play a possession and counter game, and the counter is where that speed on the wings shines.

 

[Super Fadio Bro]

...the Habs seem to live rent free in your head, amigo...did Youppi hurt you??...

He asked a question, and I answered.

The Habs don't really live rent free in my head actually.

 

[BigDaddyLurch]

He asked a question, and I answered.

The Habs don't really live rent free in my head actually.

...that's not what a PLETHORA of your recent posts confirm...

 

[Boyon90]

really? it's the way they play then. expect them to be manhandled by the caps in the series.

What if I dont

 

[Hostile Offer]

I am interested in seeing Hutson in the playoffs. He is going to get destroyed is my guess. He got rocked last night pretty hard. Every single game I watch he is being bullied below his own hashmarks. If the Capitals scout that they should be playing him insanely hard.

The whole Habs defense is very vulnerable when forced under pressure, not just Hutson. I'm also interested to see how Slaf does in the playoffs, he has the required physicality and puck skills in limited space but has been pretty inconsistent with showing those traits.

 

[Rob Brown]

Is Thompson still TBD in terms of being ready to go?

 

[Jigger77]

I could honestly see this one go either way and I see it go to 6 or 7. But ultimately, I think experience triumphs...this time.

 

[the valiant effort]

Habs are the youngest team to make it in the history of the nhl.

Gallagher is the only guy to play in the playoffs with that bell center crowd.

That being said, there is some experience. Suzuki is entering his 7th postseason round, and Anderson has more than that.

Caufield tasted the finals run, and savard of course has a Stanley cup. Matheson has mere 20 games under his belt.

On the other hand, Dvorak finally gets a playoff taste. I don't think he's ever had one. And it's pretty much all green from there down the lineup.

Armia, Evans, Carrier, Newhook (cup), Dach ( ) all have tastes or multiple rounds as well