On Tuesday, the Montreal Canadiens were in Tampa Bay for the second game of their first round series against the Lightning. The result was a 3-2 overtime loss and the series is now tied at one.
Here are some notes from the game.
Slaf versus Hagel is a thing.
Two big men. Two power forwards. Two guys their teams rely on to put the puck in the net, while also creating space for their linemates to do the same. Already each player is making an impact in this series and the head-to-head matchup came to a head in Game 2 when the pair dropped the gloves.
I’m not sure the Habs want Slafkovsky fighting on the regular, but they probably love that he’s not shying away from the physicality. In Game 1, Slaf had the edge over Hagel, but in Game 2 Hagel won the fight and the matchup.
I won’t worry about the top line until they struggle at home.
So far, the Suzuki line has only delivered on the power play. The Cirelli matchup has favoured Tampa Bay, and that can’t continue in Montreal. Scoring on the power play is good, but it won’t likely close the series.
In fact, after losing their lead late due to a Slafkovsky giveaway at the blue line, they had a chance to close it out on the power play following the hit on Anderson. It was the power play that sealed Game 1, but couldn’t do it in Game 2. They couldn’t close it in regulation, came out flat in overtime, and the rest is history.
I know fans are calling for some line juggling, but I wouldn’t quit on the top line just yet. I’d see what they can do with home ice first.
The coach kept his line-up for Game 2, but that seems unlikely for Game 3.
Who knows? Marty can be stubborn and, in fairness, they leave the sunshine state with a split. We’ll take that. But there are two guys who can make a difference in the press box, and there is little to no room for brain cramps on the ice.
Change might depend on how the coach sees the Danault trio. Was it intended to be a road recipe or a series recipe? The line has been effective for the Habs, but can they afford to have Evans and Danault on the same line while the team lacks a true 2C?
The teams are back at it on Friday at the Bell Centre. The place will be rocking.
Hab At Her 