On Thursday night the Montreal Canadiens were in Carolina to open the Eastern Conference Final against the Hurricanes. The result was a 6-2 win for the Habs.
Here’s what caught my eye.
The rust was real… maybe.
Certainly, they did not look rusty on that quick opening goal, but I have to believe that frantic first period was a result of the Canes being out of rhythm. It would have been fair to expect Montreal players to be tired and to struggle to shift gears so soon after eliminating Buffalo on Monday. But they didn’t look tired at all.
In fact, it was Carolina that looked baffled that they were not having their way with the Canadiens. Despite little time to prepare, the Habs seemed to have enough intel on the Hurricanes to exploit.
The rust won’t last a whole series though, and Martin St. Louis will have to help his team come down to earth and be ready for a more focused opponent in Game 2.
The coach was rewarded for his patience with the top line.
In the last couple of games against Buffalo, the Suzuki line was getting chances but the dam did not break. For most of us, the temptation was there to make an adjustment in the top six. St. Louis stayed firm and it paid off.
What a response from the Suzuki line after going down early. They looked like themselves on the Caufield goal. Suzuki was strong all night and that’s the best we’ve seen Slafkovsky since early in the Tampa series. His two goals sealed the win.
Demidov’s comfort and confidence are growing.
Great to see him confidently challenge the goalie in close and win. It feels like this could be a big series for him. No offence to Jake Evans, the worker bee who just does whatever they ask, but imagine when Demidov has a true top six centreman with him.
How much do we not care about Danault’s cap hit right now?
Big night for Phil the Thrill. He picked his spot perfectly on that goal of his, and then nailed Texier with a perfect pass. He was already earning his keep with his defensive play.
The Montreal Canadiens have drawn first blood. Go Habs Go!
Hab At Her 