What I don't understand is that they kept Slafkovsky up, letting him make mistakes and being patient. Why couldn't they do the same with Xhekaj? Big mistake from the organization. Now they will make a panic move and recall him
If Arber was there he would've been on the bench. He is rarely on the ice with the top line. If Arber was there he wouldn't have been as smart as Struble was with Bunting and just laugh at him. He would have negated the man advantage by engaging. We all love Arber but he was giving away too many momentum killing penalties, he didn't win that many fights or was convincing in them outside of Kassian. He's in Laval because he got rocked himself, let's not forget that. It's not like we have been getting out muscled often since he went down, this game at the end which was probably payback for the hits we made and Boston are the only ones I can think of.
Skates off the ice, he lined him up and instead of a hip, he launches upwards and THAT should have been called by the ref. THAT should have been addressed by the Habs when the refs turned a blind eye. Just the wrong culture… sit Barron and bring up the man… Arber would not have let that go. Bitter loss.
That's what you'd expect at a hockey game. We all know at an NHL game, it's extremely rough. I think whoever hit Slafkovsky dipped his shoulder down to bring momentum into Slaf's face. I'm not terribly thrilled by the body check and it wasn't exactly Scott Stevens on the opposing side. But, it was a head shot. Slaf didn't receive any tough guys to have his back. It was Caufield and Captain Suzuki on the ice.
Disappointing ending, but let's admit it, Habs showed character but are not the well-oiled machine that the Canes are – way too many turnovers and losses one on one battles. Dvorak was useless again and Armia (except for one good shift) was not much better. Patience my friends, give it a year or two and we will make the playoffs consistently and contend in 3.
The pessimist in me says, the Habs need to find a way to stop chasing the game. The optimist in me says, the Habs are a team that never gives up which is good to see. As for the Slaf hit and the non response…a tough one to react to. There are those who might say, Slaf needs to own some responsibility for yet again, not being aware of his surroundings and allowing that hit to happen. As for the non response…the Habs have been guilty of occasionally over reacting to hits and taking instigator penalties which lead to goals against so I would say players were probably unsure how to react. Part of reason for Xhekaj being demoted. NOW, I think most fans would say, there definitely should have been a response and I myself would have liked to see Captain Suzuki step in and take on Noesen and without hesitation. Yes, you never want to risk injury esp to your top players but as an old school fan, sometimes, you need to show your teammates esp as captain, this is not ok and I'm here to stand up for my teammate. In the end, I don't believe the non response is a big deal (short term) but I am sure the team and MSL, discussed the physical play after the game so we will see how things go moving forward. Happy holidays and all the best to you and your family Andrew!
A response would have been important, but at the same time, it was a hard choice because suzuki had the puck ans montreal was chasing the gane with a 4-3 score. You need to keep the puck and score but you might also have to defend your teammate. It looked like they didn’t know if they should fight more or not, eich is undertandable considering the context
Even teams 84 to 97 would lookafter each other in tough times.. gotta have your teammates back. Cannot use the work for eachother as a team without righting the wrongs. Ghg, but shame on you guys..
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Habs lacking in depth last night. Agree that Noesen should have been dealt with.
Suz is right there and did nothing its time to take the C from him its not working out , we need a player like blackeye has captain
the rule stats you cant target the head , I think he saw the head and blasted him 500% hockey players will tell you
"The Sheriff"
What I don't understand is that they kept Slafkovsky up, letting him make mistakes and being patient. Why couldn't they do the same with Xhekaj? Big mistake from the organization. Now they will make a panic move and recall him
If Arber was there he would've been on the bench. He is rarely on the ice with the top line. If Arber was there he wouldn't have been as smart as Struble was with Bunting and just laugh at him. He would have negated the man advantage by engaging. We all love Arber but he was giving away too many momentum killing penalties, he didn't win that many fights or was convincing in them outside of Kassian. He's in Laval because he got rocked himself, let's not forget that. It's not like we have been getting out muscled often since he went down, this game at the end which was probably payback for the hits we made and Boston are the only ones I can think of.
That hit on Slafkovsky was not clean, that shoulder went into head. That should have been a 5 minute major
Skates off the ice, he lined him up and instead of a hip, he launches upwards and THAT should have been called by the ref. THAT should have been addressed by the Habs when the refs turned a blind eye. Just the wrong culture… sit Barron and bring up the man… Arber would not have let that go. Bitter loss.
Omg, Justin Barron aka Mr. Giveaway.
Need to get rid of the tiny man syndrome afflicted MSL. He should be coaching pee wee hockey or something.
That's what you'd expect at a hockey game. We all know at an NHL game, it's extremely rough. I think whoever hit Slafkovsky dipped his shoulder down to bring momentum into Slaf's face. I'm not terribly thrilled by the body check and it wasn't exactly Scott Stevens on the opposing side. But, it was a head shot. Slaf didn't receive any tough guys to have his back. It was Caufield and Captain Suzuki on the ice.
No one there to stand up for anyone. Very soft team right now.
Pisses me right off!
Thanks Double D!
This is why Montreal will stay a 500 team. No balls it wouldn’t happen in Boston. If you fight you are traded or sent to the ahl
The Canadians aren't going to the Stanley Cup this year. Just accept it.
Coach has no balls
Disappointing ending, but let's admit it, Habs showed character but are not the well-oiled machine that the Canes are – way too many turnovers and losses one on one battles. Dvorak was useless again and Armia (except for one good shift) was not much better. Patience my friends, give it a year or two and we will make the playoffs consistently and contend in 3.
Xhekaj is a liability. He's not NHL level outside of his fists. Also, why do CLEAN HOCKEY HITS need a response?
We need toughness n to protect our star players. Bring XHEKAJ,BACK ON THE TEAM.
The pessimist in me says, the Habs need to find a way to stop chasing the game. The optimist in me says, the Habs are a team that never gives up which is good to see. As for the Slaf hit and the non response…a tough one to react to. There are those who might say, Slaf needs to own some responsibility for yet again, not being aware of his surroundings and allowing that hit to happen. As for the non response…the Habs have been guilty of occasionally over reacting to hits and taking instigator penalties which lead to goals against so I would say players were probably unsure how to react. Part of reason for Xhekaj being demoted. NOW, I think most fans would say, there definitely should have been a response and I myself would have liked to see Captain Suzuki step in and take on Noesen and without hesitation. Yes, you never want to risk injury esp to your top players but as an old school fan, sometimes, you need to show your teammates esp as captain, this is not ok and I'm here to stand up for my teammate. In the end, I don't believe the non response is a big deal (short term) but I am sure the team and MSL, discussed the physical play after the game so we will see how things go moving forward. Happy holidays and all the best to you and your family Andrew!
A response would have been important, but at the same time, it was a hard choice because suzuki had the puck ans montreal was chasing the gane with a 4-3 score. You need to keep the puck and score but you might also have to defend your teammate. It looked like they didn’t know if they should fight more or not, eich is undertandable considering the context
Even teams 84 to 97 would lookafter each other in tough times.. gotta have your teammates back. Cannot use the work for eachother as a team without righting the wrongs. Ghg, but shame on you guys..