The Montreal Canadiens look to regroup following a crushing loss to the Winnipeg Jets on Tuesday, and they’ll aim to do so on Thursday when they host the Utah Mammoth.
Don’t panic if the Mammoth get some momentum
What’s worth noting about the recent loss was how quickly it happened late in the game. The Canadiens played good hockey for just over 57 minutes of play. All they had to do was put the finishing touches on what was a 4-0 game.
Within 42 seconds, it was a two-goal game.
A couple of quick goals can happen, and if that had been the end of it, it would have been a footnote. Where the problem lay was that they couldn’t figure out how to catch their breath, lock back in and finish the job.
They got flustered enough that they committed a penalty with less than a minute left and allowed a goal immediately after play resumed. Another goal came on a late giveaway, and they lost key faceoffs.
Don’t panic. Keep your calm and don’t give them any unearned chances.
Get the same performance from special teams
One positive highlight from the crushing loss to Winnipeg was that special teams were clicking. They scored two goals on the power play, and the penalty kill held the Jets to just 1-for-5.
The timing of the lone Jets goal wasn’t ideal. It tied the game, but overall, there wasn’t much to critique regarding special teams.
While the Canadiens went on a nice run without any power-play goals to their name, they could use another statement with the man advantage.
Buldoc getting back on track would help
After making a significant impact early in the season, it's been a quiet stretch for Zachary Buldoc. His goal against the St. Louis Blues back on Oct. 27 is his only time getting on the scoresheet in his last seven games played.
Seeing him get back on track could provide a nice boost to a team look to ensure they don't spiral.
Is it fair to look to the offense after they scored at least four goals in three consecutive games? Perhaps, but the idea here is to make a statement. Someone who is looking to get going again offensively is someone who would ideally make that statement.
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