Failed powerplay opportunities in the first period of the hockey game set the tone for what eventually became a heartbreaking loss for the Montreal Canadiens in their Eastern Conference Final with the New York Rangers. The heartbreak was compounded by a late-game shot off the inside of the crossbar by Alex Galchenyuk after the Habs scored in the first two minutes of the third period to tie things up at 2-2. If Galchenyuk's shot had crossed the line this series would've shifted to Montreal under very different circumstances. Instead, Martin St. Louis provided the heroics some six minutes into overtime, pushing the Canadiens back to Montreal with a 3-1 deficit to dig themselves out of.
The Canadiens trailed early in this one, as Carl Hagelin took advantage of a terribly sloppy powerplay schematic, busting down main street on a breakaway, popping five-hole on the quick forehand-backhand move.
A great play by Rene Bourque in the neutral zone sent David Desharnais and Francis Bouillon on a 2-on-1 in the second period, with the latter capitalizing on a perfect shot over Lundqvist's glove.
Dustin Tokarski was absolutely brilliant in the hockey game, particularly in the second period. It wasn't until Derek Brassard came steaming in with a minute left in the frame, wiring a slapshot past Tokarski, that the game was placed in doubt for Montreal.
But the Habs fired back. P.K. Subban finally got Montreal's powerplay on the board for the series. It wasn't enough, as Henrik Lundqvist did what he had to to hold the fort down for the Rangers.
A monumental challenge is on the horizon for Montreal. They've been largely outplayed throughout the series, and though they insist frustration has been avoided, it's hard to imagine it's not bubbling to the surface. ******************
1) Subban rebounded well from a very off game three, and led Montreal with more than 33 minutes of ice time.
That said, Subban only managed three shots in the game, as the Rangers continued to throw a blanket on his point opportunities.
2) Brian Gionta said: "This series isn't over."
"By no means are we counting ourselves out. It's a tough loss. It's a bitter loss. But at the end of the day we're still in this series."
As long as everyone in the Canadiens room believes that, they have a chance. There are plenty of people outside of their room that will certainly doubt them.
3) The Habs powerplay failing is the story of this series. They got a chance 30 seconds into overtime. Zip...
The lack of organization in the first period killed the Canadiens in this one. The fact that they were still in the game in spite of it tells you that if they can just get this thing going, they actually could pull off what seems impossible.
It seems impossible for good reason...
4) The Habs top line played with great urgency, but they were caught out of position on both Brassard's and St. Louis' goals. They were also on the ice for the shorty by Hagelin.
5) Thomas Vanek finished with two shots on net, and once again, was practically invisible out there for less than 14 minutes of ice time. What is Michel Therrien going to do with this?
He's given away countless pucks on the powerplay, where the coaching staff aims to give him his main opportunity, and he's just been so soft for lack of better words.
Could he be a healthy scratch come game 5?