The result wasn't there, but to say the effort wasn't either is stretching the truth, though there were some in the Canadiens dressing room willing to adhere to the theory based on their "No Excuses" mantra.
I can understand the argument, given that the Canadiens out-shot the Bruins 10-3 in the first 10 minutes of the hockey game, then failed to collect more than 11 shots through the remaining 50 minutes.
Shots are but one of several categories that define effort. If anything, they do more to indicate momentum than they do effort.
No one would suggest the Habs didn't take their foot off the gas, but lack of aggression can't necessarily be equated to lack of effort.
There's no question the Canadiens went from dictating the pace of play to allowing the Bruins to reverse that trend. And despite the fact that the Canadiens didn't generate many shots, they limited the Bruins to one legitimate scoring chance through the first two periods--a Tyler Seguin shot that hit the side of the net.
It's not for lack of effort that the Canadiens couldn't get another goal past Rask, but execution certainly left something to be desired.
The Bruins were in the game at 1-0, and the Canadiens didn't capitalize on the various opportunities they created throughout the night. From Colby Armstrong in the first period, to Lars Eller on a breakaway, to Tomas Plekanec booting a breakaway, to David Desharnais misplacing a tap-in Rene Bourque set him up with in the third period, timing and cohesion was lacking.
Everyone suggested Boston was the toughest test-- to date, and that the result would give us a better semblance for where the Canadiens stand among their competition. The real test is what awaits them in Buffalo.
The Habs have rebounded extremely well from two tough losses suffered in the early part of this season. Now, that challenge is dramatic, having lost the way they did last night, and going into Buffalo to face a Sabres team that's out to avenge the 6-1 pounding Montreal served up at the Bell Centre last week.
The real test was what this back-to-back situation entailed, and the question is, will the Canadiens' resolve shine through in Buffalo to give them the split in such a difficult situation?
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Notes
-After his two best games of the season, David Desharnais was brutally ineffective last night for the Canadiens. He had as much success in the offensive zone as he did in the faceoff circle, winning only 33% of his draws.
-There's no reason to doubt Max Pacioretty's scoring ability. But if you'd have told me the Habs would be 6-2 without a Pacioretty goal this season, I'd have laughed in your face. Now they're 6-3 going into angry Buffalo, and in order to get to 7-3, you get the sense Pacioretty's name will have to hit the scoresheet.
-Implementing changes to tonight's lineup is a test for Michel Therrien. For the coach who has preached accountability and rewarded top effort with ice-time, Ryan White's inclusion shouldn't be the only difference.
If White draws in, it's most likely to be at Colby Armstrong's expense. I spoke with the Habs winger last night, and though he doesn't necessarily deserve to be pulled from the lineup, he certainly recognizes the depth of the team.
"I wish I'd have scored. I should have five goals by now," said Armstrong with a smile, last night.
It's not all about effort. Execution is just as important.
And moving guys around in a lineup like the Canadiens have doesn't necessarily have to be in the frame of reward versus punishment. Keep in mind that they have four capable lines
If Armstrong's out for White, that'll be more about White than it will be about Armstrong.
-And that brings us to dilemma number two: Therrien wants to be able to keep his lines intact so that chemistry can form and continue, but what does he do to get Pacioretty on the scoreboard?
And if accountability is king, how much longer does Desharnais stay between his linemates in favor of Lars Eller?
I could see one of two changes:
Pacioretty lines up with Galchenyuk and Gallagher to start tonight's game (we'll see how it goes...), leaving Eller to line up with Cole and Desharnais, and Prust to line up with White and Moen.
Or...
Eller and Desharnais switch places.
This is mostly fodder for conversation, and I'm not suggesting every loss needs to amount to wholesale changes with the lineup.
As I mentioned, I don't think effort was poor last night, but execution needs some stimulation.
Montreal Canadiens Blogger • 
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