Wilde Horses
- The deadline deals looked good by the GM. Flynn with a diving pass to Eller for his goal and then a goal himself. That's the depth Bergevin was hoping for.
- Another deadline deal player Mitchell with a goal himself as the line with Prust contributed big time. That's how to have success in the playoffs. Unlikely sources.
- Eller showing some physicality that got him a penalty at the face off circle. He also looked like a goal scorer going upstairs on the shorthanded marker. Been the best forward down the stretch. Was one of the best in this one.
- Gallagher a hard working buzz saw the entire night. He will not get a call though ever. The refs actually yell at him to get up. They scold him. Quite a sight to see that level of antipathy for a player. Might be the most hated player in the league by officials.
- Galchenyuk had tremendous energy. The line cycled well all night. They didn't generate a ton inside off the cycle but the possession is always welcome from a head coach who likes what zone the puck is in.
- The best game of the stay in Montreal for Smith Pelly. Levelling his opponent and winning pucks. No issue with pace in this one.
- Stephane Waite who had time to get a book ready on Hammond. They said that it was lateral movement and to see the way the goals were scored, no question. Mitchell makes Hammond go east to west. He's not there. Flynn makes Hammond go east to west and he's too slow to get across. A good start because to feel as if a goalie is too much is a very bad thing for your psyche.
- Plekanec quietly did what he always does. A great 200 foot game. His goal was a perfect delay to make the goalie reset his feet and while he is doing that then you shoot through the movement 5 hole. So smart. So Plekanec.
- Prust. The block with 40 left. Enough said. Whatever it takes.
- The defence. They had to carry a big load and defend an entire 3rd up by one period. Workmen with work boots. Emelin very strong. Petry wasn't there last time. Beaulieu more experience and composure. Gilbert steady.
Wilde Goats
- It looked a little too much for JDLR in his first playoff game. At the age of 19 it might just be. We shall see going forward. Tremendous experience for him and the Habs hope that he gets used to the pace and finds a way to kill the butterflies.
- Parenteau worked hard but the puck didn't fall for him in this one. Couldn't find himself in good positions despite what you could see was a strong desire.
- Desharnais just didn't have much of a game in this one. One chance on one rush but didn't have time and space to do much. The game just got played around him; not with him.
- Markov. Wow. Puts the puck in his own net and also with a terrible giveaway not able to find such an easy moment with time and space. They'll need him to be way better.
Wilde Cards
- Cameron called for a suspension or retaliation of slashes against the Habs for Subban's act. I would be shocked if that deserved a suspension. There just was not enough premeditated malice to warrant a suspension. Also Stone came back and played. In fact, if he is injured, who's to say it wasn't in the scrum at game's end. More likely is a fine for Cameron for saying his guys will perhaps retaliate. You really can't do that. The New Orleans Saints will tell you how you can't promise unlawful violence. Cameron also then threw his best player Karlsson under the bus for sloppy play. That is unwise. Players don't like that. You gotta keep them on your side. In fact early word from RDS already is there will he no supplemental discipline.
- So many things went wrong for the Habs. No Pacioretty. No Subban on a horrific call by the refs. 5 for an in-game slash of that nature is basically unheard of. For Stone to return to the game only served to embarrass the refs who will remember that for sure. The Habs also trailed in powerplay time 9-0 in minutes after two and through all of that they led.
