SAINT-LAZARE, QC — It was apparent in Tuesday’s 3-1 victory by the Montreal Canadiens over the Atlanta Thrashers that there are still plenty of problems with their offensive play. While playing five-on-five, the Habs were completely dominated by the Thrashers. If not for the stellar netminding of Carey Price, the result may have been completely different. Although the Canadiens did score on the power play, their chances at even strength were minimized to shots from the outside, most coming from either wing and not from the slot. So, going into tonight’s tilt with the Florida Panthers, can the Canadiens come out of Sunrise with two crucial points?
The answer lies in two separate instances. Firstly, Canadiens’ Coach Jacques Martin needs to open the flood gates on offense, and take the shackles of his offensively talented players. With the departure of defensemen Bryan McCabe, Dennis Wideman and Bryan Allan, the Rat Pack’s core is gone. That means that more inexperienced defensemen will be in the lineup tonight. After all, Panthers GM Dale Tallon didn’t pick up a single D man in any of his deadline deals. With the addition of forwards Sergei Samsonov, Patrick Rissmiller and Nikolas Bergfors, the Panthers will certainly have some free wheeling talent up front, but having played only one game together, this game is primed for an offensive outburst by the Habs.
The second part of the equation lies with Florida Coach Peter DeBoer. During his brief tenure with the Panthers, he has been forced to play a defensive system because of his lack of offensive talent. With the deadline acquisitions, his strategy must change. Has he had enough time to change his system around to benefit his new group of attackers? Maybe not, but given his pedigree, I am sure that measures have already been put in place to enhance his team’s offensive strategy in an effort to maintain puck possession, thus neutralizing the Canadiens’ attack.
While I have stated that the Sun Belt has not been kind to the Canadiens, this is a prime opportunity for them to change their usually fruitless fate. It remains in the hands of Coach Martin whether or not he has the gumption to change his “system” up a bit, in order for his team to succeed. Hopefully for the Habs, the old adage “The more things change, the more they stay the same” will not apply against the Panthers.