On Wednesday night the Montreal Canadiens and the Carolina Hurricanes were back in action for Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Final. Trailing two games to one, this was a must-win game for Montreal. The result was a 4-0 loss for the Habs.
Here’s what got my attention.
Montreal made no adjustments to start and dug themselves a deep hole early.
The line-up was exactly the same as the one that barely broke double digits in shots on net. The line combos were exactly the same. The same reluctance to shoot the puck. The same bleeping slingshot on the power play.
The result wasn’t quite the same. It was worse. It was like the inability of the Canadiens to make an adjustment actually breathed more life into Carolina. By the end of the first period the game was out of reach for Montreal.
A simple line shuffle to start the second – Newhook and Slafkovsky switching spots and Bolduc and Texier doing the same. That was pretty much it. But it was enough to light a small fire. They shot more. They sustained pressure a little more. God knows they’ll never forsake the slingshot.
One wonders if some bigger adjustments to start the game would have produced a different outcome. We’ll never know that, but we can be sure there will be adjustments in the summer.
The guys look tanked.
Lane Hutson, in particular, looks tanked. He’s been targeted for obvious reasons. He’s at the stage where he’s trying to do too much. Nick Suzuki also looks tanked. His decision making doesn’t even look like Suzuki. Mike Matheson is also showing the wear and tear.
It was inevitable.
Two seven game series against tough opponents before facing a new team that has sailed through the first two rounds. A top line and three third lines if we’re kind. Five defensemen the coach can trust and their best has to play with the number 6… if we’re kind. You can only play over your head for so long.
Nonetheless, the experience of this post-season is solid gold for a team on the rise. It is crystal clear intel for a management group trying to finish the build.
It’s not over until it’s over, but whatever happens on Friday, this series was important for who the Montreal Canadiens are becoming.
Happy birthday Jakob Dobes.
25 years old and his birthday gift was the passing of the stop sign. I’m sure he was wishing for a win.
Maybe next time, Doberman. Go Habs Go.
Hab At Her 