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Montreal Canadiens vs. Ottawa Senators: Looking Forward

By Lissa Albert

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MONTREAL CANADIENS vs OTTAWA SENATORS: Looking Forward

It’s too bad the playoff series between the Montreal Canadiens and the Ottawa Senators began with a controversy, an outrage, an “Incident”. It’s too bad, because both teams are strong, tenacious, and could have been matched in a pure, exciting hockey game.

Instead, both teams are enmired in indignant outrage, both fan bases are further polarized over the Game-1 expulsion of P.K. Subban and the micro-fracture suffered by Mark Stone.

There is a deep emotional investment that goes into being part of hockey, from the perspective of all involved; from the team on the ice to behind the bench, the management behind the scenes and sitting atop the rink, and the fans tuning in from their seats, bars, or their living rooms. Emotions are a part of the game, and that comes from supporting the belief in one’s team to go as far as is possible in any season, right through playoffs and on into trophy awarding.

But when emotions are compounded by controversy, every game then becomes a big question mark of “what will happen next?” from the behavioral aspect, not solely in game play.

For instance, ever since the Senators’ head coach Dave Cameron uttered his clearly-emotional statements in his post-game press conference after the first game’s loss, there has been an aura of concern surrounding Habs fans: will the Senators now seek vigilante-type justice for their injured player?

It’s a valid concern. For two days,  Ottawa press has been reporting on the bloodlust of their fans. Known as “Sens Army”, they are calling for a hit to Max Pacioretty (should he return soon) as revenge. General Manager Bryan Murray stoked the fires when he accused Subban as having uttered threats to Stone (to which, of course, Subban responded with assurance that he did not).

And even though Cameron walked back his remarks with a new attitude at practice on Thursday, Ottawa has likely given tough guy Chris Neil the nod for Game 2, further suggesting some “justice” is coming down the pike.

I believe the decision not to suspend Subban was the right call; the referees’ decision to eject him Wednesday evening was controversial enough, and they clearly did not see intent in his slash (nor did the NHL), so he served his time out. I have not defended his slash – that was something I, along with most fans, wish he hadn’t done. But he did, he was penalized for it, and the game went on.

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I also believe that what happened Wednesday night was the most positive thing that could have happened insofar as the Montreal Canadiens are concerned. Here’s why:

They were already dealing with adversity: Max Pacioretty was out. Starting a post-season series without their best forward, the Canadiens already had to step up their game.

Then, halfway through what was already a contentious game, their best defenceman got thrown out. It’s one thing to be mentally prepared to start without a 37-goal scorer in the lineup. It’s quite another to be blindsided by the loss of a d-man who had, just seconds before, added 2 points to his already-impressive 60-season total.

Sometimes adversity works in your favor; it’s clear – from their gameplay and the win – that the Habs used it well in Game 1.

But through it all, the team fought a hard-played, consistent, full-60-minute game, earning every goal, and showing that through the adversity, they were not going to let this one slip from their fingers.

Game 2 could be a different landscape. With or without Stone in the lineup for the Senators, the Canadiens may have Max Pacioretty back (tight-lipped coach has released no indications, nor is he expected to until later in the day). But they will have P.K. Subban on the blue line. Subban will likely be on his guard not only against retaliation but against undisciplined moves he might get called for by vigilant refs.

The team will also be more on guard than they were on Wednesday. It was plain to see the shield formed around star goaltender Carey Price, players ensuring that their best player does not get crashed like he did in their last playoffs. But I have a feeling the tension will also inspire the Habs to consider, more than they were perhaps ready to, every factor – emotional, physical and strategic – that their opponents have in store for them.

Sometimes adversity works in your favor; it’s clear – from their gameplay and the win – that the Habs used it well in Game 1. And because they did it without their two best skaters, it reinforces the character of a team that has not quit since their first puck drop of the 2014-15 season and looks good not only for Game 2, but for these playoffs.

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