Canadiens vs Lightning: 10 Takeaways From Game 1

 I’ll switch it up for the last two points, to end on a positive note.

May 1, 2015; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Tampa Bay Lightning forward Nikita Kucherov (86) celebrates after scoring the winning goal against the Montreal Canadiens during the second overtime 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

2. Negative: Tampa Bay has won Game 1

Well, that’s something no one can change, no matter what. It’s not where Habs fans wanted the team to be, especially given the exhilarating feeling of having won Games 1, 2 and 3 against Ottawa in Round 1.

But it’s a hard reality, and one everyone has to accept as fact. However…

1. Positive: Confidence is high

Now that a day has passed, however, I’m positive the Canadiens are shaking it off and moving forward with a Game-2 plan to top their performance in the series opener. Take the words of Tomas Plekanec:

"Sometimes you score goals that you’re not supposed to score; going through the feet, off the skates…I’m sure we’re going to explode soon and we’re going to put some in."

And PK Subban‘s post-practice words:

"We did a lot of good things today, except win the game… if we play that way for the rest of the playoffs, for the rest of the series, I think we’re going to be in a good spot."

(I might add: as long as the Habs score goals as well as play “that way” for the rest of the playoffs…)

Max Pacioretty added, “All we can worry about is getting ready for next game, but it’s a strong performance. You can’t win them all.”

May 1, 2015; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Montreal Canadiens forward Alex Galchenyuk (27) shoots the puck against Tampa Bay Lightning goalie Ben Bishop (30) during the third 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

One Universal Positive: This was a good, old-fashioned hockey game.

There were no shenanigans. Five penalties the entire game, between both teams. A fast-paced, well-played game of hockey.

There was incredible talent on the ice, on both sides, from the blue paint to the blue lines. And as hockey fans, I believe we can all embrace this as a positive outlook for the series.

Tampa Bay and Montreal might be rivals – born last post-season, continued through the regular season, and now into a second post-season in as many year.

May 1, 2015; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Victor Hedman (77) passes the puck against the Montreal Canadiens during the first 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

But there is little, if any, animosity between the two teams, the two coaches, and even the fan bases. There is respect for both teams’ talent, their goaltending stars, their strengths and yes, their weaknesses.

And what we saw in Game 1, if it is any indication of how the series will progress, is exciting to anticipate for the rest of Round 2. Good hockey all round.

All in all, there was a lot to process from Game 1, much of it good. But yes, the reality of this strong performance is offense. If the Habs can capitalize on all the chances they generated in Game 1, this could be a long series.

And no one said it was going to be a sweep – either way.

Even fans are optimistic:

I think that’s a sound statement. And it’s time to look forward to Game 2.

What do you think, readers? Did Game 1 predict the strength of the Habs overcoming whatever it is that has stopped them from prevailing against Tampa Bay this season? Or was it just another-loss-in-the-bunch to process?

Let me know in the comments!

In the meantime – enjoy Tim Thompson‘s exceptional “pump-up video” produced for the Canadiens’ organization in time for Round 2.