CTV sports analyst Brian Wilde brings you his take on the Montreal Canadiens' 2-1 loss against the Tampa Bay Lightning. For full game highlights, click here.
Wilde Horses
- Brendan Gallagher working so hard all the time. Obviously everyone struggling to achieve anything but you can't criticize his work rate. The punishment this player takes is probably the most in the league. Takes a stick in the face and just keeps on going. He was the deserved goal scorer to finally break through on Bishop with the same type of work and second effort that he always shows.
- Carey Price can not also provide the goals.
Wilde Goats
- Tomas Plekanec chopped down Ben Bishop early. Clearly behind the play, this was completely what the Habs said they weren't going to do. Dive or not, you can't do that to a goalie and the refs will not give an embellishment to a goalie. They need to give goalies the benefit there for that to get out of the game as it should.
- Galchenyuk has lost confidence. He got burned standing around on the first period goal and when he had a chance himself, he did all the wrong things. He will be fine. He is young and he will have a bright career but right now, oh boy. Hey, Habs fans here's the positive: what can he ask for in his bridge contract now? About 1 to 2 million less per year than he was hoping for.
- Markov was also caught out on Tampa's first period goal. He is likely injured in not only one place but maybe more. As a reporter, you have to hedge what long term criticism you say because there can be serious injuries. If Markov does not have a lower body injury hampering his speed, the rest of his contract is a problem for the Habs organization. If he's injured, throw it out the window and better luck next year.
Wilde Cards
- That power play. Just amazing how it has turned into mush. 1 for 28 in the playoffs. My God. That's just amazingly bad. Remember when most power play ran at 25 percent? The good old days when hockey had goals. The Habs PP is 3.7 percent. Just wow.
- The Habs scored at near 10 percent of their shots during the regular season. They're at 2 percent since game 1 vs Ottawa. Let me put it in simpler terms how dry they have become. They needed 10 to 11 shots to score a goal in the regular season. In the playoffs, they need 50 shots to score a goal. 50 shots. Don't know if I have ever heard of that. You wonder why they can't win. Well, there you go. They are having either the worst case of puck luck ever or the regular season was a mirage.
