Canadiens vs Lightning: 10 Takeaways From Game 1

May 1, 2015; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Tampa Bay Lightning left wing Ondrej Palat (18) is checked by Montreal Canadiens defenseman P.K. Subban (76) 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

6. Positive: Habs played a physical game

While Tampa Bay isn’t known for its physical play (as opposed to teams whose enforcers are still going strong), Montreal took the game to them in an excess of hits; 43 to the Lightning’s 32.

This is a good sign for Montreal; it showed dominance on the ice apart from the shots and skating. An excellent way to slow down a puck carrier is a clean hit, and the Habs showed their ability to exert their physical presence over their opponents in Game 1.

5. Negative: Physical play didn’t change much

It’s a theme: goals. Physical play, puck possession, staying disciplined – none of that matters when goals aren’t being scored. And the stark proof of that is that a game-winning goal ended the Habs’ efforts to win Game 1. Despite all their best efforts.

May 1, 2015; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Victor Hedman (77) is checked by Montreal Canadiens right wing Dale Weise (22) 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

4. Positive: That Offside is a reality

The reality is some consolation; had the play been called as it should have been, there’s always the possibility the Canadiens would have been on the victorious side of the game. That is what’s caused the frustration; for fans, for the players, for the coaching staff. The Habs had momentum even in the second OT.

No one is saying Tampa Bay wouldn’t have eventually scored the winner. But reality changed because the linesmen didn’t do their jobs. And again, possibilities don’t win hockey games. But referees sure can influence them.

Note: I am not one to believe in Referees-Who-Hate-Montreal. Conspiracy theorists are dime a dozen, but I don’t subscribe to those. I believe it was a bad missed call, it went the way of the opponent, and it’s something we all have to digest.

3. Negative: Habs not clearing the puck before OT goal

I’ve seen a lot of people weigh in on the offside that led to the Lightning’s game-winning goal. I’ve seen people criticize the Habs for not clearing the puck before Kucherov got his goal. The puck entered the zone – definitely offside – and was inside for 12 seconds before the shot that ended the game. And yes, I suppose the Canadiens could have moved in and taken the puck off his stick as they had done so successfully all game long.

As I said in my game recap, no one is using the offside as an excuse for not having scored more goals or achieved what the Bolts found a way to do by getting the GWG.

(Continued next page: more positives than negatives)