Canadiens vs. Lightning Game 1 Recap: A Heartbreaker

May 1, 2015; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Montreal Canadiens left wing Max Pacioretty (67) celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal against the Tampa Bay Lightning 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 Game 1 Recap: A Heartbreaker

The Montreal Canadiens have played their first game against the Tampa Bay Lightning in the Eastern Conference semi-finals, and it ended in a 2-1 overtime loss for the Habs. There is plenty to discuss about this game, most of it good. There is controversy – times two. But it was an all-round good game, except for the outcome.

The Habs did what they had to do: they came out strong, they stayed strong throughout 3 periods and into a 2nd overtime. They dominated the puck, their turnovers were recovered quickly, and they had chances that – right from the beginning – were excellent, though unproductive.

The entire team came out to play. Devante Smith-Pelly led the charge in hits (8) with workhorse Dale Weise just behind him (7). Other than Alex Galchenyuk, who, according to coach Michel Therrien, “had a tough night,” every player had a great game. They played together, as a unit.

They cleared the puck from in front of Carey Price (who turned in another stellar performance), and they continued to get it down to the offensive zone, keeping it in for incredibly exciting, and lengthy shifts.

Galchenyuk might have struggled but he got some chances as well; I’m not going to be too hard on him. After all, it’s a team effort.

The Habs won 55 of 89 face-offs through 5 periods, with Lars Eller winning 68% of the draws (17/25) and Tomas Plekanec winning 66% (19/29). This will prove to be an important trend as the series continues.

Every line stepped up to make this game a strongly played match. Kudos to Jeff Petry, who blocked a Jason Garrison shot with his ankle late in the first period, went down to the ice, limped to the bench and was helped into the locker room, unable to put weight on the foot. He was back in the second, and played the entire game like the warrior he is.

May 1, 2015; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Montreal Canadiens defenseman Jeff Petry (26) reacts after being injured during the first period against Tampa Bay Lightning in game one of the second round of the 2015 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: Jean-Yves Ahern-USA TODAY Sports

Through the entire game, the Lightning had 4 PIM while Habs had 6 (all 3 penalties on Alex Galchenyuk). Neither team scored in five power plays. This will be a problem for the Habs as the series continues. They have to find a way to make their power play actually live up to its name.

Much will be said about the luck of this game – more about that soon. But the Habs played like winners. And that’s what makes this loss such a tough one to take.

The First 2 Periods – Scoreless

The first two periods were fast-paced, with the Habs dominating the puck.

• By the end of the 2nd period, the shots were 22-19 in favor of the Canadiens.
• The Habs had hit the post twice very early in the first period – once by David Desharnais, the other by Max Pacioretty. It seemed to be a good omen.
• Hits were 29-21 in favor of the Habs by the end of the 2nd period

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