After squandering power play after power play, the Montreal Canadiens through Dale Weise, found a way to win yet another feisty game, this time in Ottawa to take a huge 3-0 lead in this series. Dave Cameron tried to shake up his boys by sending Craig Anderson between the pipes and rugged winger Chris Neil at the expense of Andrew Hammond and Alex Chiasson. The move almost paid off but in the end, Ottawa’s lack of experience proved costly. Ottawa started the game extremely hungry and hit every white shirt in their way applying a ferocious forecheck, which eventually lead to Clarke Macarthur’s opener. The Sens did have chances towards the end of the first period to double their lead but failed to do so. Reminiscent of Game 1 and 2 of this series, the Canadiens kept their best hockey for the 2nd and 3rd period.
The Habs continuously peppered Anderson, in part thanks to numerous powerplays but lacked the finishing touch. We saw most of the same in period number three, that until the “Dutch Gretzky… decided to take this one in his own hands. With a little over 5 minutes left in the game, Brandon Prust and Torrey Mitchell(what a fantastic pickup he was) combined beautifully allowing Dale Weise to grab the rebound and shoot a laser past Anderson to tie it up at one. He then reproduced his magic in OT with a hard shot beating Anderson close side, in what had to feel like a dagger in Sens fans hearts. Hard to believe GM Marc Bergevin got him in exchange of Raphael Diaz (and not Cameron Diaz, right Glenn Healy) ! Montreal won thanks to their character guys in Game 1 and now again in Game 3. They have played three solid games and they definitely have the edge over Ottawa when it comes to overall experience. If there is one team you can’t count out in this 2015 calendar year it is the pesky Sens but you have to get the feeling that they are running out of energy. They gave it their all to reach the playoffs in a desperate final season push and they deserve credit for their achievements.
This was another solid performance from the Habs, they shot nearly 50 times on Anderson and played a physical game. This was a game were everyone played their part effectively, not committing many errors, which allowed the Habs to still be in it towards the end of the third period. Then their CHaracter guys showed up. Personally I enjoyed Devante Smith Pelly’s game, he has really stepped up and has been hitting everything in his way in a relentless manner, a bit like a night train cruising in the darkness. I do hope Habs future captain Max Pacioretty will be able to find his game. Since coming back from injury he has had a hard time to follow the speed of the game, which is relatively normal since he did miss a couple of weeks of action due to his injury. This win is pivotal, psychologically speaking since the Sens have never come back from a 0-2 deficit to win a series in their short existence. Imagine now a 0-3 deficit and the opposing goaltender is Carey Price, the favourite to win both the Hart and Vezina Trophy – this is a really steep mountain to climb.
Looking forward, the Habs are going to have to be more productive on their power play and actually create some chances down low instead of only relying on PK Subban’s rockets. Their powerplay scheme is simply too predictable for opposing teams. Also they will need to be quicker in the neutral zone and get a better transition game from their defenceman. On the other hand, their penalty kill will have to keep being watertight. Game 4 should be fun, the Sens are going to try everything to stay alive. It will be a very physical affair but I feel like the Habs are well equipped to close this series out (if not in 4, then in 5). They have solved the Hamburglar mystery, Anderson doesn’t appear to be much better and Montreal seem to have the match-ups to nullify the youthful Ottawa forwards. Michel Therrien and the Habs coaching staff also seem to have the edge on Dave Cameron and his crew. The Sens have been shocked by the Subban/Stone incident, a bit like the Habs were back in 2012 with the Eller/Gryba hit, which has given Montreal an advantage in this 2015 series.
I have tremendous respect towards Sens GM Bryan Murray, who not only kept his GM position despite fighting cancer but follows his team with so much passion. He seems to be doing well and his passion for the game is the reason why this is Canada’s national sport.
Here are my 3 stars for this game : Dale Weise Tomas Plekanec Craig Anderson
Next Meeting : Canadiens Vs Senators , Wednesday April 22nd 2015, 7:00 Pm