Meller93 Posted May 19 Posted May 19 Well, we’re here. Two gruelling rounds both needing 7 games, but two very different series. Tampa was a tighter, shutdown style series. Buffalo was a run-and-gun roller coaster. The pessimist would say Montreal didn’t win the series, Buffalo lost it. Both teams spent stretches being their own worst enemy. The optimist would give Montreal credit for capitalizing on those mistakes when it mattered. One thing I feel confident in: Montreal will need to bring more to get past the Canes. More consistency, more production from the first line, and my biggest gripe over the last few games — getting pucks on net. Possession has been strong for a lot of these playoffs, but it feels like Montreal keeps looking for the 3rd, 4th, and 5th pass instead of just getting something simple through. Too many missed shots turning into rushes the other way. Put pucks on net. Build momentum from there. Bright spots: Dobes - we don’t win the second round without him. He has the ability to completely lock in and keep games alive. He’s done everything you can ask from a goalie. Hutson - sure, a few lapses later in the series, but he’s elite. The offense is obvious, but honestly I’m even more impressed by his defensive stick work. His mobility and angles break up plays before they even become dangerous. Suzuki - maybe not flashy every night, but he’s consistent. That’s what you need from the captain. Huge minutes, reliable, steady. Newhook - clutch depth production, blazing speed, infectious energy. He’s playing some of his best hockey as a Hab. Good signs: Caufield - getting looks and finally burying a few. If he gets fully going again, Montreal has a legit shot. Demidov - the production will come if he keeps playing like this. Lots of good touches, just not getting the finish yet. Goal scoring - Montreal is still getting production throughout the lineup. You’re not winning playoff games without that. Question marks: Slafkovsky - maybe he’s injured. But the truth is he hasn’t looked the same since game 1 of the playoffs. Top of the lineup production - yes, Suzuki has been good. Yes, Caufield and Demidov are showing signs. But we need more. The best players need to be the best players. Defensive breakdowns - the last 2 games against Buffalo, Montreal didn’t shut Buffalo down. Montreal shut down as a team. Entire periods with nothing going. We can’t afford those collapses against Carolina. Shots ON NET - how many shots have missed wide and turned into rushes the other way? How many extra passes have turned strong possession into nothing? Put the puck on net. Good things happen when you do. A common word I heard in interviews after last night’s win was “reset”. Absolutely. Time to reset and put the best foot forward. GO HABS GO Quote
JoeLassister Posted May 19 Posted May 19 Dobson looks like he's playing injured. So do Slaf and Suzuki. CAR are well rested. This is not looking very good. Quote
GHT120 Posted May 19 Author Posted May 19 8 minutes ago, JoeLassister said: Dobson looks like he's playing injured. So do Slaf and Suzuki. CAR are well rested. This is not looking very good. We know Dobson is playing injured ... he came back but is wearing a serious brace/bandage on his left wrist ... "talk" was of a broken thumb, which takes 4-6 weeks to heal but months to be 100% Quote
tomh009 Posted May 19 Posted May 19 16 minutes ago, JoeLassister said: CAR are well rested. This is not looking very good. Maybe not, but they are playing with house money now, let's see what they can do with it. Quote
JoeLassister Posted May 19 Posted May 19 1 hour ago, tomh009 said: Maybe not, but they are playing with house money now, let's see what they can do with it. As long as we steal one of the first two in Carolina, everything is possible. Quote
JoeLassister Posted May 19 Posted May 19 1 hour ago, GHT120 said: We know Dobson is playing injured ... he came back but is wearing a serious brace/bandage on his left wrist ... "talk" was of a broken thumb, which takes 4-6 weeks to heal but months to be 100% yeah, I wrote that poorly. what I meant is that sometimes, injured players manage to play in such a way that it doesn't show too much. But it shows a lot for Dobson. Quote
BCHabnut Posted May 19 Posted May 19 I love the blue and tan locker room hats they are wearing this playoff. Wish i could find one. Quote
GHT120 Posted May 20 Author Posted May 20 Does Carolina have anyone in their lineup that necessitates dressing Xhekaj (Deslauriers has played 1 game in 2 rounds)? Quote
GHT120 Posted May 20 Author Posted May 20 6 hours ago, GHT120 said: Hopefully it is nothing serious Good news Quote
GHT120 Posted May 20 Author Posted May 20 KK getting the "Patrik Laine" treatment ... barring multiple injuries KK is eating the house-smoked Eastern and Western-style NC pulled pork and beef brisket for which Lenovo Center (previously PNC Arena) suites are famous Quote
dlbalr Posted May 20 Posted May 20 6 hours ago, GHT120 said: Does Carolina have anyone in their lineup that necessitates dressing Xhekaj (Deslauriers has played 1 game in 2 rounds)? Not really. They're a physical group but not necessarily on the face-punching side of things. Quote
dlbalr Posted May 21 Posted May 21 Carolina's projected lines: Forwards Svechnikov - Aho - Jarvis Hall - Stankoven - Blake Ehlers - Staal - Martinook Carrier - Jankowski - Robinson Defense Slavin - Chatfield Miller - Walker Gostisbehere - Nikishin Starting Goaltender Andersen --- Injuries N/A Scratches Nicolas Deslauriers Pyotr Kochetkov Jesperi Kotkaniemi Mike Reilly Quote
habscout Posted May 22 Posted May 22 I feel good about Montreal's chance against Carolina in this series. Go Habs Go! 1 Quote
brobin Posted May 22 Posted May 22 Not a good start.. for the love of god get the puck out of the zone. Quote
brobin Posted May 22 Posted May 22 And Habs score as I finish my comment.. lol.. this might be nuts Quote
brobin Posted May 22 Posted May 22 Could have had three by now.. bury those boys before Carolina remembers how to play D. Quote
Prime Minister Koivu Posted May 22 Posted May 22 Good forecheck and Habs are moving the puck up ice beautifully Giving up some good chances though Quote
GHT120 Posted May 22 Author Posted May 22 Habs doing what they have to ... push hard before 'Canes shake the rust Quote
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