Too Many Mistakes Cost The Montreal Canadiens

3 years ago  /  Kuklas Korner  /  Read Time: 57 seconds

from Tom Gulitti of NHL.com,


The Montreal Canadiens will review their 5-1 loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning in Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final at Amalie Arena in Tampa on Monday, but they already know which area needs the most work.

"It's going to be the puck management," Canadiens assistant coach Luke Richardson said.

Montreal committed turnovers that led directly to Tampa Bay's first three goals. The first two turnovers came on lateral passes high in the offensive zone that were picked off and quickly transitioned into counterattack rushes. The third turnover that led to a Lightning goal resulted from an errant pass through the neutral zone.

Canadiens goalie Carey Price has covered up for many of their mistakes in the Stanley Cup Playoffs to help them reach this point, but they'll need to play smarter in front of him in Game 2 of the best-of-7 series at Tampa Bay on Wednesday (8 p.m. ET; NBCSN, CBC, SN, TVAS). The five goals Monday were the most Price has allowed in a game this postseason.

"That's a team that thrives on turnovers," said defenseman Ben Chiarot, who scored Montreal's lone goal in the second period. "They're pretty quick coming back the other way every time there's a turnover at their blue line, so (it's) definitely something we have to be aware of and make sure we're a little smarter with the puck."


continued...

Read Full Article.