MTL vs PHI
Posted on April 29, 2008 12:12 AM | Permalink
PHILADELPHIA – If a blind man had walked into the bowels of the Wachovia Center on Monday night while the Montreal Canadiens and Philadelphia Flyers were talking in their respective rooms after Game 3 of their Eastern Confernece semifinal series, it would have been quite a chore to figure out who won and who lost.
In the Canadiens room, there was a certain degree of satisfaction, maybe even confidence in the knowledge that they have launched 70 shots on goal against Flyers goalie Martin Biron over the last two games, and allowed only 37 on their own net. They have used their speed to generate chances and draw penalties, and though the power play is not quite the fine-tuned machine it was in the regular season, it did produce two goals Monday.
“We’ve played two really good games the last two games and we’ve lost both,” Canadiens head coach Guy Carbonneau said. “We’re not happy and we’re frustrated a little bit. We'll find ways, we just have to keep going. In the last half of the game they couldn't keep up with us. They only had 14 shots. We just have to keep going, it's going to be a long series.”
Over on the Flyers side, there was a lot of talk about how they need to improve, how they need to put more pucks on net, how they must stay out of the penalty box and play better defensively. There was some satisfaction over being ahead 2-1 in the series, but that happiness was almost always tempered with a “but.”
“I think we’re doing some good things, but we can be better,” said centre Mike Richards, who scored a shorthanded goal in an extreme case of generosity by Canadiens goalie Carey Price. “We’re still not hitting that gear we had against Washington or coming down the stretch, I don’t know what it is. Give Montreal credit, they’re playing really well. Their defence moves the puck extremely well. I think we have to be better to continue having success in this series.”
Mind games
Essentially, both the Flyers and the Canadiens are clinging to the possibility (which used to be the probability) that Price cannot continue being as shaky as he has been thus far, and Carbonneau resisted the temptation to call his goalie out to the media. What is most telling about that is Carbonneau rarely held back in criticizing his netminder during the regular season, so it is entirely possible that even he senses a certain fragility in his rookie netminder.
“He’s 20 years old, we can’t forget about that,” said Carbonneau, who himself has forgotten that on several occasions this season. “We’re trying to ask this kid to be a saviour for this club. But again, we had a 5-on-3 for two minutes, we had five of our best players on the ice. Maybe we should blame them also. It’s a team game and we’re not going to blame just one guy. I’ll take some of the blame and the players will take some of the blame. But we’ve played well for two games now. We have to keep going.”
Carbonneau would not commit to starting Price in Game 4, but does he really have a choice? What would be the point of starting Jaroslav Halak, have him win a game, then be forced to start him again? That would further shake the confidence of an already shaken Price, and even if Halak did lead Montreal past Philadelphia to reach the conference final, does anyone really believe he could lead the Canadiens any further than that?
This is Price’s team, and this is Price’s playoffs. The Canadiens can’t afford to play mind games with their franchise goalie of the next decade. The Flyers, on the other hand, can feel free to engage in all the psychological warfare they like, and for now, they appear to be winning that battle.
“There were shots with screens and as soon as we get close to (Price), he is pushing everybody and you can tell he’s a little frustrated,” said Flyers centre Daniel Brière. “That is the only way to beat him. We know he is a good goalie so we have to keep going to the net. It is the only way we are going to beat him.”
Comments
Yeah... Actually I do think Halak could do well.
Contrary to what people say, he may be the answer right now - and not Carey Price.
Halak has been a major success at every level he has played at.
People are quick to give Price the benefit of the doubt even when he has struggles, but do not extend that same confidence over to Halak even when he is performing.
Posted by: Samuel Hui | April 29, 2008 01:02 AM
Price is the man, at least for game 4. The Canadiens just have to get some traffic in front of th enet stop try for the perfect goal.
They have the skills to really put it to Philidelphia in the next game. I say score early and often and come back home and give them another dose!
Go! Habs Go!
Posted by: Greg Montreal | April 29, 2008 08:24 AM
Block the shot or get out of the way. Price couldn't see the puck on what feels like 5 of the past 6 goals.
Posted by: Fd Montreal | April 29, 2008 10:30 AM
Bending over backwards for any one player in the playoffs makes no sense. Not now or ever. Montreal is not running a baby-sitting service...they are a professional hockey team who should understand that "you play to win, and win to play" in the Stanley Cup playoffs. In the last 6 games Price's record is 2-4 and in any best of seven series...4 losses and the team is playing golf. Don't flush a season down the toilet because you don't want to hurt someone's feelings. (it doesn't work in life) The argument given in the article makes no sense. Throwing Price out onto the ice when he hasn't got it will just make him feel responsible for the team's quick exit from the playoffs and injure his psyche not just for one year but for years to come.
Why have two goaltenders if you won't use them....makes no sense. Carolina dumped Gerber when he wasn't doing his job along their way to winning a Cup a few years back & re-instated him when a loss would not put them in a hole during a subsequent series. If Montreal loses one more game they are down 3-1 in the series. That's too deep a hole to come back from. Like I said....Price is not a baby...don't treat him as one. Sometimes players stink when it comes to handling playoff hockey.....maybe he's in that class. He has never laced them up for the playoffs...hell is has a little over 40 NHL lifetime experience. (A flash in the pan) The team in front of him have found their legs again...why punish a whole team for the bad play of just one player. I guess you can bench all the other hockey players for poor play ....but Gainey's selections are exempt......Pleaseeeeeee....no teachers pets. Hand Carey that rattle...oh I mean goalstick. I think he'd rather be treated like the whole team is...not some baby who can't take responsibility for his actions.
Posted by: Alex Toronto | April 29, 2008 11:27 AM
Why not give halak the start, I mean we bailed on Ryder when he struggled, we may as well do the same to Price. He need to see that a team rides whoever is performing.
Enough sarcasim, We really should start Price, but I think we need to look at adding players to the mix like Ryder and Stewart. Ryder had created some awesome plays, just cant put the puck in the net. But given the same support that Carbonneau has given Price, might just bring out the now solid defensive player back to the goal scorer he is meant to be.
Posted by: Aimee | April 29, 2008 12:41 PM
carey price has no playoff experience, they are not going to win the stanley cup, and hes no Patrick Roy( winning cup in rookie season )
Posted by: manvir vancouver | April 29, 2008 01:25 PM
I would go back with Price. He deserves it don`t start playing head games with this kid. He doesn`t it. People let`s face it. Montreal has a good team not a great team. They have the ability to go all the way, I question there desire. When you have some of these players who are afraid to get hit or even hit someone, your in trouble. Especially in the playoffs. If the Canadiens think that anyone is going to give them Lord Stanley, just because they are the Canadiens, think again. You have to take what`s rightfully yours. Everyone has to give it 110 %.
You can do it BOYS.
GO HABS GO
Posted by: Rocco Montreal | April 29, 2008 01:42 PM
Price can hardly be faulted for the first two goals. The Habs just need to play three periods equal to the third period of game 3 and Philly will be done in seven
Posted by: Steve NL | April 29, 2008 02:25 PM
My thriteen year old daughter was underway to being born when the Habs last won the Cup.
I was tearing as a Canadian watching the highlights as a German resident back then in 1993.
I had great hopes for the Sens last year and believe that the Cup belongs in Canada, as history has shown.
Acknowledged that we are now only in the quarter-finals, and have only one Canadian team left-and not just any but the record holder and my childhood heros- there are a couple of rounds to win.
Do I beleive that the Habs can win this year - an uninformed but passionate yes. I realise that any all-Canadian final would have brought serious financial damages to the league, franchise oweners, network sponsors and the rest, but the sport is exciteing to those who love it regardless of the franchise, but thirsty to see the action.
Here in Germany, I can easily get a ticket to a bush league hockey game, and witness the last years of those players who have left the NHL and the AHL. I see so many poor passes and plays, I just want to go home.
Instead, if I can get up each morning and check the cbc website and find out what happned overnight, I am happy.
Posted by: Germann, Michael A. Germany | April 29, 2008 06:07 PM
Kinda hard decision to make but I think Halak will do well if he's put in game 4 and given the confidence. I love Carey Price and he's awesome goalie but some of the goals that he let go in game 2 were ridiculous and don't blame the defense for it (as mr. don cherry did). He's a classy goalie and these were lazy goals. Other than that, I hope Kovalev is gonna pull thru tonight and put the first goal in. After that I'm sure it's going to be a lot easier for habs to control and win the game. If they want to get in the finals they have to shift gears and be more aggressive (not saying that they're not) and score some goals because you cannot win the cup by coming back 0-2 like game 1, game 2 and game 3.
In all three games, their starting 5 minutes were awesome and that's how they should keep playing.
Score some goals and show Phillies how we play!!! GO HABS GO!!! Win tonight!!!
Posted by: Edward Toronto | April 30, 2008 09:32 AM
I would disagree with Michael(from Germany) statement that "I realise that any all-Canadian final would have brought serious financial damages to the league, franchise oweners, network sponsors and the rest, but the sport is exciteing to those who love it regardless of the franchise, but thirsty to see the action."
Being a diehard Flyers fan, as well as a diehard Hockey fan, I would LOVE to see an "all Canadian" Stanley Cup. (As long as it is not this year as the Flyers are playing Montreal - not that it matters as they are the only remaining Canadian team). I would LOVE to see a Montreal vs. Calgary final....you can basically plug in any Canadian team in this equation and I would love it. Not saying this holds true for most of us here in the States, but I feel if they give it a chance, they will fall in love with it as well. I love watching the Western Concerence games with the speed and tenacity that the games create. Here in the Eastern Conference, it's more about big hits and dumping and chasing (somthing I feel the Flyers are FINALLY getting away from - thank God we have decided to sign European players for once!). Even though I am an American, I get goosebumps when the gentleman who sings the Canadain National Anthem before the Flames games, pauses and lets the crowd finish the anthem. If that doesn't get you excited, nothing will.
With my little spiel here, I hope to add some credibility to at least SOME of the Hockey fans here in the states (especially the one in Philly).
Good Night, Good Hockey!
Posted by: John Philadelphia | April 30, 2008 02:30 PM
The Canadians are doing very well.
But not scoring enough goals.
Biron is on his game and we have been shooting the puck at him and he is stopping it all.
So we need to get goals starting in the first period to get everyone motivated and get the
adrenaline going.If they take there time with the puck and shoot it more accurately they will put it in.
Posted by: William Montreal | May 1, 2008 12:41 AM