After watching the Habs-Sens game Tuesday, its clear that the Habs can no longer be bullied and will make the opposing players pay for cheap shots. In the past, they would turn the other cheek or they would simply be outmuscled if they stood up for themselves. Howerver, with the Xhekaj borthers, Carrier and Struble, if you wanna mess around you will find out, and the Sens found out.
Now Struble should have been severly penalised for the cross check to Janík's face, but I like that the Habs are no longer taking any crap. If you want to board, slash the goalie and talk crap there will be consequences. Also, the powerplay looks to be clicking really well, so if the Habs can draw some calls, it can be trouble for the opposing team if this chemestry continues into the regular season. Having a second unit with Demidov is deadly. This brings me to the Habs roster battle.
Florian Xhekaj: So he really showed his worth last game and it makes me think that should the Habs make the playoffs, a guy like Florian is what you want. He might get the Habs in penalty trouble at times, but man what a gamer.
Oliver Kapanen: Had a great game and is a lock to make the team. Love this guy.
Owen Beck: I love his overall game and he deserves to make the team. The issue now is contracts. I think if there were three spots up for grabs, all three make the team easily. I'm not sure what you do here, but for me its between Beck and Xhekaj. Personaly, I would take Beck, but if someone said take Xhekaj ,I would have no argument against it. All three should make the squad.
Dobeš: Yuuuuuuup!!
Demidov: Took a two hand slash in the hands by Nick Cousins. If I were the Sens, I would keep him out of the lineup for the game on Saturday.
Have a good Thursday all! Going to the ALDS on Saturday so I'll be watching the Yankee-Sox game closely!