On Sunday night, the Montreal Canadiens were in Tampa Bay for Game 7 of their first round series against the Lightning. The result was a 2-1 win for the Habs.
Here are some quick thoughts about the win.
Suzuki needed that goal.
The defensive matchup was intense, with the Habs top line being held in check while they were also holding. But Captain Clutch came up big when he needed to, with a timely tip that must have reminded Jon Cooper of an Olympic moment.
I expect that top line to be better against Buffalo, but I do worry that Tampa has give seven teams the recipe to contain the Canadiens. Hitting the score sheet when he did will be a good transition to the next series for Suzuki.
A lucky goal from depth was the difference.
Alex Newhook has done nothing all season but play whatever role was asked of him. He’s hardworking and coachable, and last night he was rewarded.
Yes, that was a pretty lucky bounce, but it was a smart idea to try and bank it in off Vasilevskiy.
In the end, Marty won the coaching battle.
It took about a million line combinations and perhaps as many inspirational speeches. The latter we will never know. But his efforts led the young Habs to a series win, another major step in their growth and development.
Marty heads into Buffalo to go head to head with another veteran coach. Growth opportunities all around for the Habs.
We have not said enough about Jakub Dobes.
It was a solid series from the kid. Yes, his excursions out of the crease hit the blood pressure where it hurts, but in the end he out-stopped one of the best netminders in the world. Nicely done, Doberman.
The Habs are off to Buffalo where they will face a completely different opponent. More adjustments are coming. Go Habs Go!
Hab At Her 