Canadiens vs Lightning: 10 Takeaways From Game 1

May 1, 2015; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Tampa Bay Lightning center Tyler Johnson (9) scores a goal against Montreal Canadiens goalie Carey Price (31) as Montreal Canadiens defenseman Tom Gilbert (77) defends during the third period in game one of the second round of the 2015 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: Jean-Yves Ahern-USA TODAY Sports

CANADIENS vs LIGHTNING: 10 Takeaways From Game 1

How does a team, and its loyal fan base, deal with a tough loss, which was a near-win, as the Montreal Canadiens experienced in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Semi-Finals? (And yes, I know a near-win isn’t good enough)

First, there’s the immediate period of what could only be described as grief. Yes, it’s one game, but anytime there’s an overtime – much less a double OT – there is that expectation, tinted with hope, that one’s team will win. And when they don’t, it seems to hurt that much more.

This being a playoff game, a semi-finals round, and the Tampa Bay Lightning as opponents made it that much more difficult to take. Add the controversies and it’s a massive ball of frustration.

So, now that it’s percolated overnight, let’s look at what worked, and what needs work. Let’s look at how to process the loss and come out on the other side feeling positive. After all, we’re Habs fans, right? We believe in our team.

Still, it’s important to not be blindly biased when we see that there is work to be done on the team we support. This has been a problem with many fans, and one I understand. It’s hard to criticize the Habs when you’re a Habs fan.

It’s also hard, sometimes, to be a Habs fan when you see the problems and you have to admit – if only to yourself – that your beloved team could, in fact, do better.

So, here are some takeaways from Game 1. Taking a long, hard look at the mistakes and the problems helps to understand losses, as well as wins. If we break it down, see the good along with the trouble spots, facing the next games will be an easier road.

I’ll present positives and negatives about the game that will help to process its loss. Here we go.

10. Positive: The Habs came out and played hard right from the start.

There’s no question, the Habs set the tone they wanted to set from the get-go. They skated fast, meeting Tampa Bay’s speed and surpassing it. They maintained puck possession, taking shots (4 in the first 10 minutes – and 2 posts).

This is the kind of dominant play fans wanted to see from the Canadiens. They wanted to see the Habs show that they were not intimidated by Tampa Bay’s 5-0 record against them this season, and that they could control the game.

Their determination showed, and gave Habs fans an exciting, hopeful anticipation for the game.

May 1, 2015; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Tampa Bay Lightning forward Steven Stamkos (91) skates with the puck around Montreal Canadiens defenseman Jeff Petry (26) during the second period in game two of the second round of the 2015 Stanley Cup Playoffs at the Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: Eric Bolte-USA TODAY Sports

9. Negative: No goals on strong chances

The Habs couldn’t capitalize on their strong game play, and that kept the game scoreless through to the 3rd period, when the chances (and agonizing posts!) the Habs generated might have been game winners early on in the match.

Goal scoring has been the curse of this team from the beginning of the year. And as hard as it is to admit, as a Habs fan, it’s a necessary admission to make.

The Habs shot plenty of pucks at Ben Bishop. 44, to be exact. Even the one he let in was flubbed by his temporary butterfingers. It also didn’t seem to affect his ability to stop the rest of the shots taken on him for the rest of the 3rd period, or into two OTs.

Was it Bishop? Sure, he’s a great goalie. He’s 6’7″ (yes, that statistic got the announcers swooning every time there was a fantastic Bishop save). But he’s not infallible.

Was it the Habs? Posts are close but not close enough. They seemed to be on the right track but this isn’t the time to edge closer. It’s the time for results.

8. Positive: Tampa Bay didn’t score either

For all the frustration of Habs fans bemoaning the loss of Game 1, perhaps it is soothing to know that not only did Tampa Bay not score more than their 1 goal in regulation, but that they took 9 fewer shots at Carey Price than the Habs took at Bishop.

Is Tampa Bay a great team? Of course, no one is disputing that fact.

But had they been the truly dominant team, their shot count would have been higher, and their goals scored in regulation.

May 1, 2015; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Montreal Canadiens forward David Desharnais (51) steals the puck from Tampa Bay Lightning forward Valtteri Filppula (51) during the second period in game two of the second round of the 2015 Stanley Cup Playoffs at the Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: Eric Bolte-USA TODAY Sports

Any time two teams go to double overtime with only one goal scored by each, that doesn’t exactly show an offensively dominant team.  Tampa Bay was as frustrated by Price as the Habs were by Bishop.

This bodes well for the Habs, who have the best goalie in the world to defend their nets.

Of course, scoring is key to winning. No one wins in a scoreless game. See Point 9.

7. Negative: Habs outshot Tampa Bay

How can outshooting one’s opponent be a negative point? Well, with a 9-shot difference, the Canadiens outshot Tampa Bay but still lost the game.  Granted, they lost the game in double overtime (yes, it’s a consolation, albeit small), but within those 9 shots more, had they been tighter with their shots, they could have made the shot count a productive statistic.

May 1, 2015; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Montreal Canadiens center Lars Eller (81) shoots the puck against Tampa Bay Lightning goalie Ben Bishop (30) during the first period in game one of the second round of the 2015 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: Jean-Yves Ahern-USA TODAY Sports

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