Stranglehold attained!
With a 2-0 series lead, it was rather clear which team was desperate and which team was not heading into game 3 at the CTC. Although I'm sure many Sens fans will disagree, even the roster moves made by coach Cameron reeked of desperation. The start of the game reflected this as Ottawa came out flying and sending bodies flying. Both the puck battles and physical battles were a completely one sided affair. While very few fans will argue about my assessment of the first, I think many Habs fans will agree that very little panic had set in. Score was only 1-0 and Ottawa only got 12 shots on net. The Habs survived the desperate push of a team finding its home fans down 2-0.
The second period saw a complete shift as the Habs spent the period attacking and the Sens defending. For some reason, in spite of complete puck possession, the Habs were still hesitant to get to corners and battle for rebounds. The few times they did, thank you Gallagher, Smith-Pelley and Galchenyuk, they either missed the net or Anderson got lucky. Now don't get me wrong, Anderson deserves some credit for being in position, but when the goaltender is completely looking in the opposite direction and still manages to save it... And that happened at least 3 times in the second. Ottawa was still all over the Habs physically but most Habs had gotten over it and were buzzing around the puck in spite of the physical punishment. I say most Habs because there was much hesitation by Flynn, Eller and Gilbert. With Montreal not scoring in the second, some doubt had crept in about this night.
The first 10 minutes of the third went back Ottawa's way and it really seemed like this one just wasn't in the cards for the good guys. Then something entirely strange happened with about 9 minutes to go. Ottawa went into a defensive shell. I can't for the life of me explain it. I give Montreal credit for taking over in the second, but blame Ottawa for giving momentum in the third. All this after a couple obvious calls against Ottawa was matched by a softie against Pacioretty (Ottawa's penalty in the first was also soft in my opinion so no need to dwell on this too long). The results finally showed up. Gilbert, who had up to this point played an atrocious game, pinched at the right time and joined the attack forcing coverage in front of the net and leaving Weise all alone to bang in the rebound. Tie game! Ottawa then picked it up for the rest of the period but the damage had been done, time for OT for a second game in a row.
The overtime starts with both goaltenders saving their collective teams' bacon. Not gonna lie, I hate that call against Lazar. Lucky for Ottawa that Montreal's PP totally stunk on the night right? Actually, they try Petry in Markov's spot and it looked dangerous. But once again futile. And then, on a completely harmless break, Dale Weise scores his second of the night on one that will surely have many Sens fans shaking their heads. Ironically, it's Weise who said before the OT that they had to shoot everything. Thanks again Tortorella!
The good Petry. Again. The Plekanec line is only one that played 60 minutes up front.
The bad Eller, De La Rose and Flynn. Gilbert for the first 40 minutes. De La Rose might need a break here. That or his age is showing in the playoffs. I hope it's the former.
The ugly The OT goal if you're Ottawa. Subban's first period. Beaulieu completely losing his cool. With the way Ottawa played tonight and Beaulieu responded, I wouldn't be surprised to see Pateryn in and Beaulieu out.
Ok, I'm going to go watch Vancouver-Calgary now. Good night and keep the Vileda's out Habs fans!
Kevin Leveille