(Montreal) After a sixth loss by at least three goals in 12 games this season, Canadiens head coach Dominique Ducharme admitted to being frustrated by his team’s situation, but he is not keen to demonstrate it publicly and “to be found on YouTube for 20 years”.
Brock Nelson scored four goals for the first time in his career, Ilya Sorokin made 36 saves and the Montreal team had another difficult night, taking a 6-2 loss to the New York Islanders on Thursday night at the Bell Center.
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Two days after playing what Ducharme had called a “model” match in a 3-0 victory over the Detroit Red Wings, the Habs were again downgraded by their opponent, who led 5-0 after two periods.
“I don’t think we were that far from the model, especially if you watch the first half of the game,” Ducharme insisted. Two or three mistakes led to the first three goals. But I agree that these are mistakes we should not make.
“They had no more chances to score than us. The game was closed on both sides. […] We spent a lot of time in the attacking zone, even in the second half when that was when we conceded the most goals. ”
The evening of work was particularly difficult for the trio of Christian Dvorak, Mike Hoffman and Josh Anderson, as the three players posted a differential of minus-4 after two periods of play. For their part, defenders Brett Kulak and David Savard were minus-3, both.
“It’s obvious that it was more difficult for the Kulak-Savard duo tonight, but as a defensive group, we want more consistency and better execution,” said Ducharme. At the same time, we ask that of everyone in the team. ”
Nick Suzuki and Tyler Toffoli saved the Canadiens honor (3-9-0) by scoring respectively in inferiority and power play late in the third period. Jake Allen gave in five times against 25 shots in the first 40 minutes of play. Samuel Montembeault was thrown into the lion’s den in the third period and stopped 10 shots.
The Canadian has allowed at least five goals in every game following his three wins so far this season.
“It’s frustrating, but I’m not going to show up here and put on a show,” said Ducharme. I’m not going to make headlines or be on YouTube for 20 years. What I have to say, I tell my players. ”
PHOTO MARTIN CHAMBERLAND, THE PRESS
Jake conceded on five of the Islanders’ six goals.
Jean-Gabriel Pageau had a goal and an assist, while Oliver Wahlstrom also hit the target for the Islanders (4-2-2). Anthony Beauvillier had three assists and Zach Parise, two.
The Habs were deprived of forward Jonathan Drouin, hit in the face by a shot from his teammate Brett Kulak during Tuesday’s meeting against the Detroit Red Wings. Adam Brooks replaced him in training.
For his part, defender Alexander Romanov was back in the game after being left out against the Red Wings. Sami Niku has given up his place.
The Canadiens will play their next game on Saturday, when the Vegas Golden Knights will be visiting the Bell Center.
Nightmare scenario
There wasn’t a lot of action in the first half, but the Islanders nonetheless found a way to open the scoring after 4:14 of play. Nelson scored his first goal of the night after fine individual efforts from Kyle Palmieri and him.
The game was more animated during the second engagement, but the sky fell on the head of the Habs at the end of the period.
Yes, Wahlstrom widened the lead to 2-0 after 3:31 of play, but the Canadian still threatened Sorokin’s net a few times.
The Russian goalkeeper made good saves at the expense of Anderson, Michael Pezzetta and Dvorak.
The Islanders increased their hold on the win, however, by adding three goals in the second half of the period.
Nelson completed his hat trick by first taking advantage of a free puck with 7:35 to go in the second period, then completing a redundant attack with Beauvillier with 4:37 to go.
Pageau broke the Habs ‘backs by adding the Islanders’ fifth goal with 1: 52 to go in the second period.
The stands quickly began to shrink in the third period, when the final result was not in doubt. Those who stayed until the end were not shy to show their displeasure at the performance of their favorites.
They were treated to a bit of cheering when Suzuki hit home on the shorthand with 4:40 to go with a good throw from the shield side. Toffoli returned to the charge 1:44 later, on a two-man power play.
Nelson added his fourth goal of the night by scoring in an empty net with 18.8 seconds left.
Cloakroom echoes
Tyler Toffoli noted that it was difficult to climb back up against the Islanders.
“I think we had good intentions, but a few mistakes hurt us. They are a difficult team to face when they have the advantage on the board. ”
David Savard said the Canadian maybe deserved a better fate.
“I think the score doesn’t reflect our effort. It’s a shame to see the final score, but they were opportunistic. ”
Jake Evans also highlighted the Islanders’ opportunism.
“I think in the first half and most of the second period we did a good job against a good team. But we have to find a way. It was a few mental or reading mistakes that hurt us. ”