|
Habs Cool off in New York City, look to Reheat on Long Island |
|
|
|
|
|
Well, I suppose they had it coming. Maybe they spent a bit too much time roaming New York City, enjoying the rampant lifestyle they seldom get a taste of here in Montreal. Not much time for relaxation in NY, but the Canadiens certainly looked relaxed opening up their style in the first period of Saturday’s hockey game against the Rangers. It was arguably the worst first period the Canadiens have played all year. There was a total disconnect between defense and offense, not to mention a lack of urgency to score on powerplays, including a five on three, and some really soft play in the Habs defensive zone.
It’s unfortunate to see Patrice Brisebois get hurt, but it’s also unfortunate to see him not willing to take a hit to make a play. For instance, all 5 feet 9 inches, and 180 lbs of Marty Straka being heavily avoided on the forecheck by Brisebois is an embarrassing way for a defenseman to conduct himself. His defensive partner, Roman Hamrlik, played his first lousy game in a Canadiens uniform, as he failed to take care of business in front of the Canadiens net, all night.
Saturday night was as exemplarily as possible in terms of what happens if Kovalev’s line doesn’t show up to play. I wouldn’t question their ethic, they were certainly trying to play well, but it just wasn’t working. Sure Andrei Kostitsyn ended up hooking his brother up with a very nice goal, but when all was said and done nothing was clicking on offense.
**********
I don’t know how you all feel about it, but I don’t believe Chris Higgins should ever be lining up with Maxim Lapierre and Mathieu Dandenault. It’s not a knock on either player, but Higgins deserves better. Moreover, it’s an absolute waste of his talent to not have him playing with at least one player who has offensive potential.
**********
Now that all the negative criticism about one lousy effort is out of the way, Canadiens fans needn’t worry…the sky is not falling. They may have been completely outclassed by the Rangers, but it was clear New York was desperate to win, attempting to stop their big losing skid. Two games left in this roadtrip will see the Habs square off against the Islanders and Thrashers, on Tuesday and Thursday, respectively.
It’ll be extremely important for the Canadiens to bounce back, on Long Island. Komisarek and Higgins are playing at home, where they usually shine. The Habs will more than likely come out with an explosive first period, given their dismal start to Saturday’s game. It’ll be more than important to sustain the effort all the way through period number three.
Jaroslav Halak deserves to be in nets for this game. He came into the third period at Madison Square Garden, and stopped all thirteen shots he faced. Cristobal Huet had an off night, and that’s putting it lightly. There should be more than enough incentive to give Halak the start, get his confidence going, show him off a bit, and at the very least take advantage of the fact that he appears to be playing his best hockey of the season so far; capturing the AHL’s player of the week award, then being called up, and shining in the one period of action he’s seen.
**********
What should Carbonneau do with the first line? Should he reunite Higgins and Ryder with Koivu? Should he demote Latendresse in favor of Higgins? Should he keep Kostitsyn and Latendresse with Koivu?
**********
Lastly, I have to say, I’m entirely impressed with the new look of hockeybuzz.com. I’m very proud to be a part of this venture, and equally proud to know that since I’ve been a member here, the site has improved exponentially. Eklund is always looking for new ways to peak his audience’s interests, and I have to say that his trust in Chris Degroat’s work has truly paid off. What a great aesthetic they have created, and the site is just easier to navigate…Hope you all enjoy it as much as I do!!
Montreal Canadiens Blogger • 
Join the Discussion:
»