GDT Round #1: Stanley Cup Playoffs - Game #1 - Montréal Canadiens @ Washington Capitals - Monday, August 21st @ 7PM EST

[Commandant]

 

2 minutes ago, Fanpuck33 said:

How the heck do you not challenge the high stick? CLEARLY played above should level.  Bad decision there!

 

By the time the puck hit the stick it was below the shoulder. 

The key time is when the puck hits the stick and where the puck is (not the end of the stick) when it hits it. 

 

Good no challenge IMO. 

[Prime Minister Koivu]

4 minutes ago, dlbalr said:

 

The challenge is that Xhekaj and hitting smartly hasn't always happened.  It's the dumb hits he tries to make that lead to goals that will make the coaching staff hesitant to put him in.  Plus, he doesn't kill penalties so Savard sitting means Matheson plays the full 2 minutes shorthanded.

This is a problem that I didn’t consider. Savard is counted on to play the PP and we don’t have another option. 
 

5 minutes ago, Commandant said:

The issue is not getting enough traffic, screens and rebounds on Thompson.  Its not in the defensive end.  I don't see how Xhekaj solves it.   And using him instead of Savard means Struble is now playing out of position, and the PK units get all screwed up.  I don't think this fixes anything.

 

 

 

I'm trying to solve some of the hard physical play by Washington. We are getting pushed around a lot. 
 

But I didn’t think it through and Brian is right about the PP

[The Chicoutimi Cucumber]

I think the Habs are learning an important lesson about team toughness in the playoffs. It looked to me like Guhle was figuring it out in the 2nd, for example - playing with that little bit of extra jam you gotta have this time of year.

 

I agree that it’s not hopeless and that our main problem has been the lack of sustained pressure in the O-zone. We get chances, but they’re of the ‘one and done’ variety. That said, we could be doing better in the D-zone too. 

 

We need to bag one, preferably early. That’ll give us a boost.

[HabsFan4eternity]

Couple good PPs and were right back in it, if the boys dont give up we could very well turn this game around.

[Commandant]

2 minutes ago, Prime Minister Koivu said:

This is a problem that I didn’t consider. Savard is counted on to play the PP and we don’t have another option. 
 

 

I'm trying to solve some of the hard physical play by Washington. We are getting pushed around a lot. 
 

But I didn’t think it through and Brian is right about the PP

 

Xhekaj isn't going to stop their forwards from hitting Matheson, Hutson, etc.

 

What we need to do is create physical play from our forwards in their end of the ice. 

 

Slaf needs to throw his weight around more (As do a few other forwards).   

 

We need guys who play like the Armia-Staal-Perry line in 2021. 

[The Chicoutimi Cucumber]

2 minutes ago, Commandant said:

 

Xhekaj isn't going to stop their forwards from hitting Matheson, Hutson, etc.

 

What we need to do is create physical play from our forwards in their end of the ice. 

 

Slaf needs to throw his weight around more (As do a few other forwards).   

 

We need guys who play like the Armia-Staal-Perry line in 2021. 

 

Good point about Slaf. God love him, but I hate how passively he plays. I don’t need him to be a Tkachuk but he needs to start taking charge. 

[Commandant]

How is that not called interference.

[The Chicoutimi Cucumber]

Even Galley is annoyed at that non-call. Jebus Cripes.

[TurdBurglar]

Inconsistent.

 

Washington has the PP advantage, and a very easy call to even the PPs, but it was passed up because of reasons?

[brobin]

Brutal non call.. 

[BCHabnut]

Call the plays the same for both teams for crying out loud.

[The Chicoutimi Cucumber]

1 minute ago, BCHabnut said:

Call the plays the same for both teams for crying out loud.

 

Maybe Washington has a critical mass of veterans who are proven Good Guys and therefore have ‘earned’ the right to do more than the young Habs who need to be taught to respect their elders. Because NHL refereeing. 

[HabsFan4eternity]

1 minute ago, BCHabnut said:

Call the plays the same for both teams for crying out loud.

EXACTLY, the calls dont have to be frequent or even good for all I care, but for god sakes call it consistently at least throughout each game 🤦‍♂️

[Fanpuck33]

17 minutes ago, HabsFan4eternity said:

the blade was clearly above his shoulders yes, but the pick hit on his shaft not the blade, although I'm sure we are all pained to admit it, it's a good goal.

 

16 minutes ago, Commandant said:

By the time the puck hit the stick it was below the shoulder. 

The key time is when the puck hits the stick and where the puck is (not the end of the stick) when it hits it. 

 

Good no challenge IMO. 

 

His hands are nearly at shoulder level already, he's holding the stick at about a 20 degree angle, and the puck hit the heel of this stick.  This is the moment right after he touched the puck and the puck is still clearly at eye level.

[The Chicoutimi Cucumber]

Monty has been absolutely excellent tonight. Can we finally put to bed this ‘Mediocre Monty’ narrative.

[HabsFan4eternity]

Just now, Fanpuck33 said:

 

 

His hands are nearly at shoulder level already, he's holding the stick at about a 20 degree angle, and the puck hit the heel of this stick.  This is the moment right after he touched the puck and the puck is still clearly at eye level.

You know what, you've proved me wrong, well done you've convinced me.

[BCHabnut]

Regardless of calls, the better team is winning.

[The Chicoutimi Cucumber]

1 minute ago, BCHabnut said:

Regardless of calls, the better team is winning.

 

Indeed. Habs have no real answers so far.

 

Assuming no change tonight MSL will need to earn his keep with adjustments by Game 2.

 

Ticky tack penalty there. I give up with these refs

[HabsFan4eternity]

1 minute ago, The Chicoutimi Cucumber said:

Monty has been absolutely excellent tonight. Can we finally put to bed this ‘Mediocre Monty’ narrative.

I know, especially in big moments you cannot ask anything more from monty, we have been blessed with consistent all star goaltending for years and can no longer appreciate who we have in net if not up to the bar carey, and Jose set before

[BCHabnut]

2 minutes ago, Fanpuck33 said:

 

 

His hands are nearly at shoulder level already, he's holding the stick at about a 20 degree angle, and the puck hit the heel of this stick.  This is the moment right after he touched the puck and the puck is still clearly at eye level.

I would not have challenged it. 

[Butterface]

Caufield !
 

Big goal. 

[BCHabnut]

One goal game. 

[Butterface]

Caps will get another penalty and we’ll tie it.

[HabsFan4eternity]

okay, were showing some signs of life at least

[Commandant]

GOAL CAUFIELD