(Boston) The euphoria of Wednesday’s narrow victory did not last long for the Canadian. Immediately after defeating the Maple Leafs 1-0 at home, the club’s players and staff flew to Boston, arriving overnight. With black eyes, they must already be looking towards match number 2 of this season which is beginning.
Starting Thursday evening, they will face the Bruins who we imagine are hungry, having looked poorly in their own first game of the season on Tuesday.
In the morning, the order was clear. After seeing the Leafs score 48 shots the day before, but above all outrageously dominate in terms of quality scoring chances at five on five (17-3, according to the Natural Stat Trick site), the defensive work will have to be more conscientious.
“There are a lot of things to correct,” said Jake Evans.
But still? “Everywhere,” he continued. In the defensive zone, we have to get the puck out better, and on the offensive side, we have to create more. »
“You don’t want to be a team that gives up 48 shots a game, and I don’t think [qu’on soit cette équipe]nuanced Martin St-Louis. Toronto shot everywhere, it’s hard [de se] defend. Maybe the attackers can play closer to the defenders [qu’ils couvrent] and force them to send pucks behind the goal line rather than towards the net…”
Against the Bruins, a team much better defensively than the Maple Leafs, the Habs will have to be “disciplined” in possession of the disc, added the coach. “We have to be patient and calculated with the puck and not launch their attack with plays that aren’t there. »
In short, “play intelligently and don’t give anything away for free,” summed up Jake Evans.
As expected, Cayden Primeau will get his first start of the season in front of the Montreal net. Unless there is an exceptional situation, CH goalkeepers should never start two games in two nights this season, said St-Louis. The strategy was already in effect last year, but in a three-goalie split, it was more obvious. Primeau will face Jeremy Swayman of the Bruins.
The only other change to the Canadiens’ lineup will see forward Oliver Kapanen play the first game of his NHL career, replacing Emil Heineman. The two were expected to share the first two outings of the season.
PHOTO DAN HAMILTON, USA TODAY SPORTS
Oliver Kapanen
Emotion
As was the case against the Leafs, although it was not easy after an opening ceremony which galvanized the crowd and the players, managing emotions will be essential in Boston.
In Montreal, the group probably got carried away by their enthusiasm, admitted Jake Evans. It is in these moments that “execution suffers”.
At TD Garden, “the crowd will be loud from the start,” he predicted. “If we can quickly have good presences in the offensive zone, maybe that will deflate it. »
“It’s a special crowd, they’re engaged,” said Brendan Gallagher. You have to embrace the challenge that presents itself. There will be changes in momentum that we will have to manage as a team. It’s a good thing to face that from the start of the season. It will be a great challenge. »
The meeting will begin at 7 p.m.