A Winning Habit
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5 Takeaways From Canadiens’ Brutal Loss in Game 2 vs Lightning

By Lissa Albert

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May 3, 2015; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Montreal Canadiens defenseman Tom Gilbert (77) celebrates his goal against Tampa Bay Lightning with teammates during the third period in game two of the second round of the 2015 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: Jean-Yves Ahern-USA TODAY Sports

2. Play Well Together

The team seemed to be a little lost after things started to unravel in Game 2. Watch the difference between their Game 1 and 2 playing style. Game 1, they were super organized, tight passes, everyone playing his position, and foiling Tampa Bay’s ability to score. There’s a reason Game 1 was scoreless until the 3rd period, and that wasn’t just because of two goalies.

No, it was because the Habs were keeping the puck in the offensive zone, keeping it on their own sticks and getting it back when it was turned over or players knocked off it by a check from Tampa Bay.

It was a beautiful game to watch. When I talked about it in my post-game analysis, I marveled at how Game 1 was such a good game because it was as close to a pure hockey game as we’ve seen. Both teams played hard, but there’s no question, the hopes were on the Canadiens based on how cohesive they were.

It’s that kind of teamwork that fell apart at the seams when penalties stacked up in Game 2. It stands to reason: when the team plays as a team, it’s the old one-for-all mentality. Penalties happen because undisciplined play takes over, and that’s almost always due to selfish motives. Roughing calls, for example, or fighting – these happen because emotions take over, and emotions are often a personal issue. (I refer you to point #4)

May 1, 2015; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Montreal Canadiens forward Max Pacioretty (67) watches the puck against Tampa Bay Lightning goalie Ben Bishop (30) 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

There are times emotions crop up and a player goes to bat to protect his teammate. Those penalties are what I’ve learned to call good penalties. Taking one for the team.

But we didn’t see many of those in the penalties taken last night. Nor did we see much togetherness. It’s safe to say that the team let Carey Price down by not playing well in front of him. And that can be the downfall of any team, moreso in playoffs when the stakes are so high.

1. Blow It Up To Bring It Back?

Did the Habs need a true tanking experience in order to wake up and get their mojo back? This team, all season, has taken shellackings like these (at least once from this very opponent!) and have come back stronger than ever.

Now, I’m not one to believe that one has to reach rock bottom in order to climb up and get one’s act together. At least not when it comes to playoffs. But maybe this can be the wake-up call these players need in order to go into Tampa Bay and light up Ben Bishop on his own ice.

Of course, it will take a lot more than this kind of motivation. Perhaps it will be the fact that so many are calling Wednesday’s game “Montreal’s Game 7”, perhaps the fact that the team is suffering the indignities of having lost not only so badly in an undisciplined Game 2 but also that they have not won against the Lightning once since they swept them in 2014.

Perhaps just plain “do-or-die” reality.

May 3, 2015; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Montreal Canadiens head coach Michel Therrien behind Brandon Prust (8) and Torrey Mitchell (17) during the third period in game two of the second round of the 2015 Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Tampa Bay Lightning at the Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: Eric Bolte-USA TODAY Sports

And of course, the points made here. Because sheer will alone does not win games. Performance does.

But perhaps this is what they need; a real night of humiliating loss, being mocked for their lack of discipline (no, Brandon Prust should not have thrown his elbow pad into the Lightning bench, but no, Steven Stamkos should not have chucked it into the stands), and going into the next two games as the hated visitor, down in a hole of two games left to win or go home.

It’s easy to say what needs to be done. I’m not the one coaching, playing, or experiencing the game first-hand. I’m watching, agonized for my team, but hopeful in their ability to recover.

Maybe if we all keep in mind that this team has what it takes – despite the mistakes made and the judgment calls misguided – last night’s loss might be a little easier to process.

(A feel-good moment from the pre-game ceremony)

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