GDT: SCF Game 2: Montreal Canadiens vs Tampa Bay Lightning 8:00 PM EST CBC, SN, TVAS, TSN 690

[Lshap]

The issue is, there's very little offence coming from the back end because the big 4 are playing shut down the whole game. They need more time for the 3rd pair. Tampa is too deep. I just don't see how the current strategy will work against them.

We need more offence. We also need to disrupt their offence. Tampa's strength doesn't allow us to prioritize both simultaneously. If we score one goal tonight I'll agree we have no choice – put Romanov in to generate scoring chances, damn the risks.

 

[nhlfan9191]

I said before game 1 that if we were to win one of the first two, I would prefer the 2nd game like we did to the Knights. Momentum heading back home.

Tampa feels confident but I agree, they need to win this one or they are in a for a series where the Habs then own home ice. That little thought is on the back of their minds and the more we play them tough tonight, the seed of doubt creeps in more and more.

I'm going to try and enjoy the game with zero expectations. Better for my health

We aren’t beating the Tampa Lightning 4 out of 5 games. We lose this, it’s over. The stakes have never been higher. At least in most fans life time.

 

[Habs Halifax]

We need more offence. We also need to disrupt their offence. Tampa's strength doesn't allow us to prioritize both simultaneously. If we score one goal tonight I'll agree we have no choice – put Romanov in to generate scoring chances, damn the risks.

We need to score 1st and not loose the bounces in the net. 2 bounces in our net vs 1 for them. If that happens, we got no chance.

I say we can score 3 but can't allow more than 2 goals. If we allow 3 goals, I have little faith we can score 4 on them.

 

[Habs Halifax]

We aren’t beating the Tampa Lightning 4 out of 5 games. We lose this, it’s over. The stakes have never been higher. At least in most fans life time.

I feel the players will have have more energy and will show up. But I think we need a bit of luck along the way. This Tampa team is a bad match-up for us. They are big and skate well and loaded with skill. This typically has caused major issues for us.

Score the 1st goal and if we don't, we have to score the 2nd goal. Can't allow them to have a 2+ goal lead. Habs strength all playoffs is we scored 1st and frustrated teams with clutter. Our momentum has come from scoring 1st

 

[Be a Hab]

Let's hope Armia is back in the line up tonight

 

[Seb]

Tampa is a heck of an opponent, everyone will have to up their game a few notches.

 

[Deebs]

We've been feasting on magic and hope the past month. Tonight either grants us another fix, or we get prepared to settle the bill.

Magic and Hope...Horseshit. We've been playing with fire and as a team united. Need that to come back.

Tampa is a monster and we need to start chipping away at them.

 

[nhlfan9191]

I feel the players will have have more energy and will show up. But I think we need a bit of luck along the way. This Tampa team is a bad match-up for us. They are big and skate well and loaded with skill. This typically has caused major issues for us.

Score the 1st goal and if we don't, we have to score the 2nd goal. Can't allow them to have a 2+ goal lead. Habs strength all playoffs is we scored 1st and frustrated teams with clutter. Our momentum has come from scoring 1st

Tampa’s a bad matchup for anyone. Elite forward group, elite D, with an elite goalie. We have an average/below average team playing with heart in front of an elite goalie playing the best hockey of his career. It’a mismatch. But we have to win tonight to have a chance. Nothing more to say.

 

[Bourne Endeavor]

We need more offence. We also need to disrupt their offence. Tampa's strength doesn't allow us to prioritize both simultaneously. If we score one goal tonight I'll agree we have no choice – put Romanov in to generate scoring chances, damn the risks.

Agreed. Game 3 is where we consider bigger adjustments like Romanov and Tatar being slotting back in the lineup. We really can't afford to get into a scoring battle with Tampa. They'll win almost every time. We need to limit them in the same way Long Island did.

 

[habsfan891]

Fantastic gdt @Moroccan must win game going back home down 2 would be almost insurmountable

 

[Le Tricolore]

I hope Armia is back in the lineup. Or not, as long as we win.

GO HABS!!!!!!

 

[cphabs]

Go Habs Go!

 

[smirob]

Need Armia back tonight and we need to do a better job with line matchups.

Still think we should swap Lehk for Toffoli if the matchups stay as unfavorable as last time.

 

[Leon Lucius Black]

The first 3 goals last game were due to stupid turnovers around the neutral zone which was uncharacteristic of this team in the playoffs.

Expecting Caufield to bounce back after a rough game Monday and hoping the Armia/Staal/Perry line is back together.

 

[Nico Cauzuki]

must win dont see us coming back from 0-2 against tampa

 

[sampollock]

it is now time boys, this game has to be yours, have to win.. a must

 

[MarkJ]

LET'S GO!

 

[Holystik]

Lets us hope for a Habs special with a surprise win for game 2!

Go Go!!

 

[Tuggy]

They were able to bounce back against Vegas and get the split last round...hopefully the same can happen here.

Figure Armia gets back in and time for Gustafsson to sit. If he can't play 5 on 5 then there is no point in dressing him.

Have to be smarter with the puck.

 

[Tyson]

Staal is going to struggle again tonight as he is simply too slow.
Perry will also struggle.
Evans timing was off for sure but that can be expected. He would be much better in a game 2.

Not sure why Merrill and Gus are playing over Kulak and Romanov...real head scratcher there.

In other words...Habs will not win this series...as is

 

[Tyson]

Tampa is a heck of an opponent, everyone will have to up their game a few notches.

I think the Habs have given their all but now against a 100 million dollar team they simply won't win this series. I admire their efforts through 3 rounds...memorable stuff but if they win tonight I will be shocked.

 

[Schwang]

We need more offence. We also need to disrupt their offence. Tampa's strength doesn't allow us to prioritize both simultaneously. If we score one goal tonight I'll agree we have no choice – put Romanov in to generate scoring chances, damn the risks.

Romanov doesn't generate anything though. He looks like he could, but I don't think he's going to produce much at this level. I'm thinking more of having whoever is on the 3rd pair to play more, giving a guy like Petry more free reign. If they can produce more on their PP opportunities and get a lead, that's great. Otherwise they're going to get smoked 5 on 5. The system worked against the other 3, but the small forwards and slow skaters were ineffective last game.

 

[Tyson]

Romanov doesn't generate anything though. He looks like he could, but I don't think he's going to produce much at this level. I'm thinking more of having whoever is on the 3rd pair to play more, giving a guy like Petry more free reign. If they can produce more on their PP opportunities and get a lead, that's great. Otherwise they're going to get smoked 5 on 5. The system worked against the other 3, but the small forwards and slow skaters were ineffective last game.

He can be physical, skate and move the puck...that is what is needed.

 

[Monsieur Miz]

Their powerplay is scary as f***. Hopefully Chariot doesn't forget his brain home.

 

[sampollock]

bare down, hit Kuch hard.. make point's life hard.. let's go