HabsCast Hockey Blog

Habs Fail to Seal the Deal… Again!

Six months after blowing their 3rd period lead in the final game of last season, the Montreal Canadiens have already repeated their mistake. They blew it. The Canadiens gave up a one goal lead going into the third, which was once a two goal lead in the second. It goes to show that the Canadiens need to work on protecting the lead and playing tight defense in those types of situations. In conjunction with that, the Canadiens should also try staying out of the sin bin if they want to be successful. Anyways, here are my two-cents on Saturday night’s game.

The Canadiens played solid for the first half of the game. They applied good pressure on the Maple Leafs and opened a two goal lead in the latter part of the second period. After Kostitsyn’s goal, which was a beauty, the Canadiens completely fell apart allowing a goal late in the second and another one early in the third. The Canadiens had their chances in the third but failed to capitalize on them, opening the floodgates for overtime. Once again, the Canadiens had a chance to win the game in overtime but failed to convert on the powerplay. (Kovy + Crossbar)

On a player performance perspective this is what I have to say:

Andrei Kostitsyn – Congrats on scoring your first goal. It was well earned. Hopefully, the second line will continue this trend and become a solid scoring trio.

Mats Sundin – You’re a goon!

Chris Higgins – Great two-way play. He was able to setup a shorthanded goal in the second, which put the Habs in the lead. This guy plays hockey the way it should be played.

Vesa Toskala – Not a goon, but definitely not a starting goalie either. I really don’t see what Toronto sees in this guy. He wins one game the fans love him. So if Carolina blows the Leafs away tomorrow I guess they’ll ship him back to Russia or something. Give me a break! Vesa, all I have to say is it’s going to be a roller coaster ride for you this season.

Mike Komisarek – Love the grit and you almost bagged yourself a goal, but you may need a new nose!

Jason Blake – Had some chances but a -2. Can’t say I blame him, especially after today’s news. Get well soon!

The 4th Line (Begin / Smolinski / Dandenault) – Great job grinding the puck into the net in the first. They played a solid game. We’ll see if this line lasts with Chipchura off the ice. I think it’s time for him to get his debut.

Cristobal Huet – If you want to keep your job on this team you have to learn how to handle the puck or just don’t handle it at all. Other than that, your positioning is good and you’re making saves when they count. I would just remember that you have a hungry Carey Price waiting to prove a point.

Patrice Brisebois – He is continuing to impress me, especially after the first two games. He’s seeing some time on the powerplay and making crisp passes. He just has to work on keeping the puck in the offensive zone, which causes costly turnovers. Hopefully, he can keep up his good play.

Moral of the story: The Canadiens failed to convert on their chances and took way to many unnecessary penalties. They also made plenty of errors, including Huet’s, which led to Toronto’s third goal. Looking forward to Wednesday, I’m really hoping to see Chipchura in the lineup. I know I’ve been saying this for the last two games but I think it’s time for him to get some playing time already.

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