Here is how the Canadiens shake down. Price is an all star, but they are young every where, and cannot really defend well. They also cannot score at the moment. The bad news for us is Montreal took it to Chicago, and Crawford stole that game for them. At one point the shots were 19-6 or something or other. If we do not learn how to defend, and that was us, the way Andersen has gotten no help in front with seeing pucks we are in for it. The silver lining is; what worked for Chicago was their speed. The more the game went on the better they got. Montreal is built on size, not speed (Bergevin messed up huge). Our speed alone, could win us this. Alas, that will not happen if we defend like we have in half our games. You give an NHL that many odd man rushes, and dont let your goalie see the puck you are screwed.
That all being said, I feel Marner looks like he is about to break out. Jvr is coming around as well. Very good sign indeed, as Nylander is somewhat snake bitten at the moment, last night, and against Chicago he could had several goals. His passes are getting intercepted as well. I am not worried, as he is too good not to shake this. But it is somewhat settling that JVR and Marner are showing life. First 2 games, Marner looked slow JVR wouldnt engage. Last 2 games they have. If it werent for Schenider last night that line could have scored 3 or 4 no problem. Marner still needs to learn to shoot more, that will come I think. Kadri is looking like a beast, he couldve had 2 last night. The problem I have is Marleau and Komarov. Marleau is adjusting so there not too worried. But Komarov is losing battles he should win. Last night that line had almost no zone time because of that. The only time they were all good together was first shift 3rd period, Kadri rang one of the post. Also strange, Moore has 2 goals in 2 games, but I think the new slashing rule has screwed him up, and he hasnt figured out how to defend with out slashing a guy. That is where Fehr is better, plus I find so far that Fehr gives us more offense on that line, and more importantly defense far better in his game thus far.
I think Fehr suits up again Saturday. I also think either Carrick is in if healthy, if not Martin may be back. Again I know it is rough to say but we cannot afford to have 2 rookies together. Rielly and Hainsey look on the verge of really good chemistry, Jake had one of his worst game as a leaf possibly but still our most skilled defender, and Zaits looks really good. So what option do we have? One is put a vet with Borgman of the above mentioned, and vet with Rosen. Or you sit Rosen and if Carrick is not healthy you put Borgman with him. As bad as Marincin is, for some reason he is good on the PK. That is the final nail in the coffin, we have to stop with the penalties. Last night our big guys couldnt get into the game for half the first half, we were in the box. The lines were all jumbled, and by the time we stopped with the penalties it was too late.
Finally with the new calls==In some ways I like the new slashing rule, it saves our skilled guys hands. However; I feel the referees are not using correct discretion. Both ways I have seen calls, and I have been said out loud "wow this is what the game is now." I get the two handed slash, or even a hard one hander, but last night, and every night for that matter, whether its us playing or any other NHL team I have been watching in disgust. A ton of penalties the zebras are calling are soft (in general). When it comes to the slashing it is even worse. One particular play last night, our D had his stick slashed out of his hands no call, but I believe it was Jake did the softest of soft, one handed tap that hit high on the guys pants (not even hands) bang penalty. It is really disgusting to see. I get it save the hands good, and it should be called. But use discretion. While I get they need to call it to show they wont back down, to call it every time is getting old real fast. NHL said only the hands, well problem is the game is fast, so sometimes the refs call it when it hits the guys pants up high. One final note. They call all of that, and the faceoff thing is getting dumb as well. But they dont call Crosby giving Holtby a head shot. Or whoever it was that ran Andersen and knocked the stick out of his hands, or when Borgman got blatantly tripped trying to exit the zone, almost costing us a goal. Again I am all for saving the hands, especially since we have a ton of skilled players who need them, but gimme a break. Again, if you call those, then call the real penalties. AH I missed one, Marner cross checked on the 5 on 3 with his back turned to the player almost head first into the boards, imagine he got hurt there...and no call. God so annoying.
Anyway hope our boys learnt there lesson.
GLG
