The Canadiens are trailing 0-2 in their first-round series against the Capitals.
Are Martin St-Louis’ men getting washed out? No. The first game (3-2) went to overtime, and the second (3-1) was a tight affair right to the end – right down to the empty-net goal.
But going close is only good for petanque. Not field hockey!
So while the club is learning to play playoff field hockey and looking a little better as time goes on, the fact remains that, right now, the Habs are not in a good position.
If they want to win the series, they’ll have to win four of their next five games… if they win any, that is.
Of course, that’s the mathematical explanation. If the Capitals were to win two of their next five (potential) games, it would be the end of the road for the Habs.
But in concrete terms, it takes W’s for the Flannel. Does that mean more guys playing like Josh Anderson?
Samuel Montembeault has allowed five goals in the series and Logan Thompson has three. It’s a close one, but the offensive support will have to be there to win tomorrow night.
The good news? The CH will be at the Bell Centre, in front of its home crowd and with the final change. And as long as you haven’t lost at home in the playoffs, you can hope to pull through.
But the question on everyone’s mind right now is whether there will be a line-up change for that game. I’d be surprised to see Patrik Laine, Ivan Demidov, Joel Armia or David Savard miss the next game. And I’d be surprised to see Michael Pezzetta play.
If there’s ever a change, it will surely involve Emil Heineman or Jayden Struble, a defenseman who hasn’t helped Josh Anderson and the others offensively enough over the past two games.
Oliver Kapanen and (obviously) Arber Xhekaj are the most likely candidates to return to the game, if there is a change. But will it really happen? Who knows.
Whether it’s in an 11-7 or 12-6 formula, I’d make sure to bring the Sheriff home…
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