fter all the excitement of game 3, I could not wait for game 4. Typically it is the most important game of a series, and the Habs needed a win to tie the series at 2-2.

The first period was tightly contested and there was not a lot of room on the ice to do much. Both the Habs and the Caps could not generate much speed through the neutral zone and by the end of the period, both teams did not generate much shots. Although I really liked Struble’s game thus far, I can't deny Xhekaj's impact. He has the ability to throw big hits and is aggressive when he goes after the puck carrier. This is what the Habs need in order to inspire a little bit of fear in the Caps forwards. 

The second period saw the Caps take a 1-0 lead on a goal that should never happen. I’m not quite sure what Dobes was thinking as all he needed to do was cover the puck and call it a day. That being said, he had an excellent game minus that brainfart. The Habs responded well with two goals set up by Demidov who showed a lot of patience and skill on both. Also, the Habs were carrying the play in the latter portions of the period. 

In the third period, things fell apart. Tom Wilson threw a big hit on Carrier which freed up some coverage in the slot for the Caps to make it 2-2. The game looked to be headed into overtime, but Mangiapane cruised in and took a perfect shot which beat Dobes top shelf with less than 4 minutes to go. The Habs pulled the goalie with 2:42 to go. I was not a big fan of that move at the moment as I found they had at least one more shift at 5-5 to make something happen. It was not a completely crazy move (Pat Roy style) as they had an o-zone draw, but I would have given it one more whistle. Two empty net goals later and the Habs are in a 3-1 hole. 

+Demidov has arrived. I said they needed to get him going and they have. I love St-Louis, no rookie treatment. He’s put in a position to succeed and use his strengths on the first PP and he made two sick plays for two apples

+I love Xhekaj’s aggression

+Dobes played a fantastic game

+Anderson is playing amazing playoff hockey

+Matheson had his best game

-a gift first goal cant happen in the playoffs

-Carrier injury sucks, I hope he’s ok

-a lot of shot missed the net, Habs need to find a way to hit the net more consistently as Thompson does give out some juicy rebounds

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