Hats Off: Montreal Canadiens Down Carolina Hurricanes

Tonight the Montreal Canadiens hosted the Carolina Hurricanes, trying to not only extend their winning streak to three games, but to play at a level their opponent couldn’t match. The Habs were able to extend the winning streak, but they left the door wide open for a late 3rd period comeback before number 27 put the game away. Let’s dive right in.

Dec 16, 2014; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Montreal Canadiens forward

(11) reacts after the goal scored by teammate

(27) (not pictured) against Carolina Hurricanes goalie

(30) during the second period at the Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: Eric Bolte-USA TODAY Sports

There are lessons that all good teams need to learn if they want to transition to becoming elite. One of those lessons is not playing to the level of your opposition, but to the level you are capable of. The Montreal Canadiens have had a tough time against opponents near the bottom of the standings, and it’s not because they don’t have the talent to outclass their opponents, they just don’t seem to be able to compete at a higher level. It’s almost like they are scared of embarrassing their opponent. They seem to forget the early 2000’s where they were being continually stomped on by better teams.

Dec 16, 2014; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Carolina Hurricanes forward

(16) collides with Montreal Canadiens forward

(22) during the second period at the Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: Eric Bolte-USA TODAY Sports

Therrien makes some odd moves during games, but you have to like that he’s kept the new first line of Max Pacioretty, Alex Galchenyuk and Brendan Gallagher together. They made the difference in this game pushing the pace and generating offense when it looked like Carolina would have a chance at tying the score at 2-2. Instead we’re left to wonder why the coach was so stubborn to not put his two most gifted offensive players together soon. The result was Alex Galchenyuk ending up with his first ever hat trick and Max Pacioretty finishing the night with 3 assists. I would like to add that all three were the primary assist. There is no doubt that Max Pacioretty will end up with more assists playing besides Alex Galchenyuk than he would David Desharnais.

Can someone tell me why Nathan Beaulieu isn’t seeing more ice time? I understand that his minutes are sheltered but unlike Alexei Emelin, he’s not treating the puck like it’s a live grenade. Him and Tom Gilbert seemed to be able to move the puck with more ease than the second pairing, and there is no reason for them to not be seeing more powerplay time.

Here are the player that I want to single out after tonight’s game;

• Max Pacioretty – He was a stud tonight. 3 assists but only 1 shot on goal.. odd for him.
• Alex Galchenyuk – Hat trick on 3 shots, and let’s face it, 2 were gimmes but one was all him and his silky mitts.
• David Desharnais – He’s thriving not being in the spotlight.

The Habs were able to score the first goal of the game tonight, and they did it in the first period. That in itself is a small victory and one that they can build off of. Now if they could just sort out the powerless powerplay, things would actually be great. They need to stop dumping and chasing on the powerplay… makes no sense to dump and chase when you have puck handlers like they do. Plus what is the point of trying the same thing over and over when it’s not working. A little originality might go a long way in their drawing board sessions.

Dec 16, 2014; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Carolina Hurricanes forward

(22) and Montreal Canadiens goalie

(31) look for the puck during the second period at the Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: Eric Bolte-USA TODAY Sports

Finally I would like to take off my rose colored glasses and point to the fact that the Hurricanes were one post away from tying the game in the third. Yes the Habs pulled away, as good teams should, but if not for Carey Price, being well… Carey Price this game could have ended in a disaster.

Thanks for reading!