Well At least it was close

[Habs 4 Life]

We need to start ****ing hitting more and be a bit more hungry along the boards, 7 players without a hit last night

 

[HTTP 400]

BTW, we kill one more penalty and we score one goal on PK and we win this game.

It's been the problem since the loss to the Leafs.

During this 7 games stretch, the Habs are 14% on the PP and 63% on the PK.

We can be critical of individual players, some deserve it, but in the end the decrease in effectiveness on the special units are more attributable to the team strategy and collective execution.

To have success, a team like the Habs have to scare other teams with a high special units efficacy. Otherwise, they're dead. They can't win the toughness and intimidation game, nor on pure talent 5 on 5 against most playoff teams.

Coaches and players have to find solutions.

 

[DenverHabsFan]

Just curious: what's the level of excitement for the playoffs right now in Montreal? It's hard to believe the current streak won't have an impact on how the fans react to their play at home in the first round.

It seems a lot of posters on this board are shrugging off this blowout streak. I'm all for being positive but the Habs last two games will determine home ice and if they don't show up, it's cause for real concern. You can't enter the playoffs with your head down and just magically start performing. If they lose those two games, the only silver lining would be to play the struggling Bruins. That might be just what the doctor ordered.

 

[Monctonscout]

Just curious: what's the level of excitement for the playoffs right now in Montreal? It's hard to believe the current streak won't have an impact on how the fans react to their play at home in the first round.

It seems a lot of posters on this board are shrugging off this blowout streak. I'm all for being positive but the Habs last two games will determine home ice and if they don't show up, it's cause for real concern. You can't enter the playoffs with your head down and just magically start performing. If they lose those two games, the only silver lining would be to play the struggling Bruins. That might be just what the doctor ordered.

The way the Habs are playing right now, starting on the road might be an advantage. Starting at home and have the crowd on edge and booing the first PP struggles might be the worst thing.

 

[DenverHabsFan]

The way the Habs are playing right now, starting on the road might be an advantage. Starting at home and have the crowd on edge and booing the first PP struggles might be the worst thing.

Two weeks ago, I was worried that fans expectations would be too high if we had home ice for the first two rounds. Maybe it's part of a master plan to lower those expectations?

 

[hototogisu]

I didn't see the game, but you know things are getting bad when you're just happy to hear the team didn't get blown out. We have RDS memes, we might have a new Habs meme as well:

"Only lost 3-2?

Call it a win."

 

[Strat]

Watched the entire game and what shocked me was that the Habs were NOT attacking whatsoever. All they did was dump the puck out of their zone the whole game. They also must've broken a new record for icings.

You can't score goals when you keep getting rid of the puck. Puck possession was almost nil, this game. Absolutely shocking...

 

[habtastic]

Pretty sure there was a shot of MB yawning.

 

[HTTP 400]

Watched the entire game and what shocked me was that the Habs were NOT attacking whatsoever. All they did was dump the puck out of their zone the whole game. They also must've broken a new record for icings.

You can't score goals when you keep getting rid of the puck. Puck possession was almost nil, this game. Absolutely shocking...

Indeed, rarely have I seen so many missed passes and bad receptions. Curious, since it was exactly the strength of this team just 2 weeks ago.

Without good passes, you have no transition game and have to dump the puck.

Hopefully, they turn it around in time.

 

[poetryinmotion]

It was a trapping clinic in the 3rd. We couldn't aven get past the damn blue line for a dump in properly they would always get challenged before and get rid of it hoping that the linesmen would be tolerant or that teammates would skate fast enough to break the icing call. Pathetic.

 

[habs88]

Bouillon and Desharnais, contract extensions by Bergevin... Probably up there with Gomez as far as bad deals.

First of all Montreal didn't give Gomez his moronic contract it was NY. Secondly everyone that is giving bouillon a hard time plz stop he's played good hockey all year, he's a 5, 6 dman and plays his role effectively. Deharnais has been struggling so what it's only a 3.5 mil a year contract he can easily be traded to teams like Phoenix, Columbus etc and I personally think that's the reason bergy gave him that contract. Next year galchenyuk will play center Eller and pleky.

 

[habtastic]

First of all Montreal didn't give Gomez his moronic contract it was NY. Secondly everyone that is giving bouillon a hard time plz stop he's played good hockey all year, he's a 5, 6 dman and plays his role effectively. Deharnais has been struggling so what it's only a 3.5 mil a year contract he can easily be traded to teams like Phoenix, Columbus etc and I personally think that's the reason bergy gave him that contract. Next year galchenyuk will play center Eller and pleky.

+1

overreactions

You'd think we are cap strapped or something. I agree, Boullion on our bottom pairing is great - that's how we did so well this year!

 

[habs88]

It's simple since we clinched the effort has been there but the execution just isn't. They skate hard but passes are little off, hold on to the puck a second to long in the d zone which allows teams to apply pressure on the winger and cause turnovers which is making us play in our d zone longer than what we want. Unlike the beginning of the year passes came quick and on the tape, boom we were in the attacking zone that's what missing execution.

 

[MSLs absurd thighs]

No-show by Desharnais, Ryder, Markov, Plekanec

Good games by Gionta, Galchenyuk, Eller, Pacioretty

Get this guy out of the lineup asap: Weber

 

[madhi19]

It the compete level that make all the difference the moment they raise it in the middle of the game it turned their way. Am going to speculate that a good portion of the players have slacked off lately. They emptied the tank to get where they are and the team tried to coast for two weeks. It backfired on everybody and now it a mad scramble to recapture the intensity. Can they do it in time that Therrien biggest challenge. I think the same damn thing is happening to the Bruins.

 

[missthenet]

First of all Montreal didn't give Gomez his moronic contract it was NY. Secondly everyone that is giving bouillon a hard time plz stop he's played good hockey all year, he's a 5, 6 dman and plays his role effectively. Deharnais has been struggling so what it's only a 3.5 mil a year contract he can easily be traded to teams like Phoenix, Columbus etc and I personally think that's the reason bergy gave him that contract. Next year galchenyuk will play center Eller and pleky.

gave him a 3.5 million dollar contract just to trade him? all he had to do was not sign him. Now they have that 3.5 million tied up in a guy tht is not playing like a third line center and cannot play a fourth line center, waste of cap space and again poor asset management. Do you actuslly think thst if Bergevin had not signed him someone else would pay him that kind of maoney to float around the ice?

 

[MSLs absurd thighs]

The 4 years contract handed to Desharnais is getting really, really, REALLY concerning. I just don't see where he fits.

I was all for giving icetime to the more productive/proven player back when Desharnais was outproducing Eller by a good margin. But stats don't lie anymore. Eller is bigger, stronger, more physical, more complete of a player, and he has just as many points as DD even without the PP time. At this point, you can't help but asking for Eller to get more opportunities... Or Galchenyuk for that matter. I mean, if you're consequent, you see the difference in terms of production and react by giving those guys more playing time and opportunities... Since they deserve it just as much, if more than DD who can't justify his playing time anymore.

 

[habs88]

gave him a 3.5 million dollar contract just to trade him? all he had to do was not sign him. Now they have that 3.5 million tied up in a guy tht is not playing like a third line center and cannot play a fourth line center, waste of cap space and again poor asset management. Do you actuslly think thst if Bergevin had not signed him someone else would pay him that kind of maoney to float around the ice?

You do know that galchenyuk cap hit is 3.25 mil on a rookie contract. And yes I really do believe he signed him to trade him maybe not this year but next year. Teams like Columbus and Phoenix can't attract free agents so trade like this happen a lot because he's under contract. For example this year with cole Dallas wanted cole because he was under contract and they have trouble luring free agents even if they have to overpay.

 

[DenverHabsFan]

The 4 years contract handed to Desharnais is getting really, really, REALLY concerning. I just don't see where he fits.

Just don't worry so much about that contract. The way I see it, it makes DD very easy to trade once Galchenyuk is ready to step up. Much, much better than losing DD and getting nothing in return.

 

[bsl]

It's simple since we clinched the effort has been there but the execution just isn't. They skate hard but passes are little off, hold on to the puck a second to long in the d zone which allows teams to apply pressure on the winger and cause turnovers which is making us play in our d zone longer than what we want. Unlike the beginning of the year passes came quick and on the tape, boom we were in the attacking zone that's what missing execution.

'Execution'. You mean, playing hockey well? It's not a complicated game. Skate your ass off, drive the net, shoot the damn puck, and hit, hard.

Only media types use the word 'execution'.

 

[Coldplay]

'Execution'. You mean, playing hockey well? It's not a complicated game. Skate your ass off, drive the net, shoot the damn puck, and hit, hard.

Only media types use the word 'execution'.

MT uses the word "execution" all the time.

 

[BLONG7]

It's simple since we clinched the effort has been there but the execution just isn't. They skate hard but passes are little off, hold on to the puck a second to long in the d zone which allows teams to apply pressure on the winger and cause turnovers which is making us play in our d zone longer than what we want. Unlike the beginning of the year passes came quick and on the tape, boom we were in the attacking zone that's what missing execution.

What happened to our 2 guys in and forecheck?

Our first periods have been a disaster recently...

 

[coladin]

Predictable ease-up before the playoffs as a lot of teams have played a lo tof hockey in this condensed schedule. The Bruins look gassed too. Nothing really at stake ultimately as home ice is not as effective as it used to be, even in Montreal. I think PITT has to be avoided but everyone else, it don't matter whether on the road/home, anyone else is very beatable in any series so guys are not pushing hard right now. I think the last game you will see their game face.

 

[habs88]

Predictable ease-up before the playoffs as a lot of teams have played a lo tof hockey in this condensed schedule. The Bruins look gassed too. Nothing really at stake ultimately as home ice is not as effective as it used to be, even in Montreal. I think PITT has to be avoided but everyone else, it don't matter whether on the road/home, anyone else is very beatable in any series so guys are not pushing hard right now. I think the last game you will see their game face.

I agree but at the same time I don't know. I'm starting to get a little worried though and I was one of the people telling people to chill out in the blowouts. But last nights game was a bit better price played well. I just want to see price play well the last 2 games at least if we go in the playoffs with a hot goalie with a struggling team we have chance to stay In games.

 

[Habtchum*]

First of all Montreal didn't give Gomez his moronic contract it was NY. Secondly everyone that is giving bouillon a hard time plz stop he's played good hockey all year, he's a 5, 6 dman and plays his role effectively. Deharnais has been struggling so what it's only a 3.5 mil a year contract he can easily be traded to teams like Phoenix, Columbus etc and I personally think that's the reason bergy gave him that contract. Next year galchenyuk will play center Eller and pleky.

And DD is still making 850k....