The Canadian shows character by never giving up. However, the players of the Montreal club would perhaps like to play a little more often with the lead.
Despite an honest start to the match, the Canadian returned to the locker room trailing 1-0 against the Nashville Predators on Sunday evening, eventually losing 2-1.
It was the 11e time this season that the Habs were behind after 20 minutes of play. They have a record of 2-7-2 when they find themselves in this situation.
The Canadian ranks last in the NHL with only 14 goals scored during the first engagement in 28 games this season. This certainly doesn’t help Martin St-Louis’ squad take control of the meetings.
The Habs finished the first period with the lead only six times this season (4-1-1).
“I think every game is different,” said forward Brendan Gallagher. This evening [dimanche], we played decent hockey. »
“But of course it would help us to play a little more often with a lead. »
The Canadian has also allowed 25 goals in the first period this season, for a differential of minus-11. He displays the same differential in the second period (25-36) and has a little more success in the third period with a differential of minus-3 (30-33).
“Maybe we should put a little more emphasis on our start,” goaltender Jake Allen said. At least we often find a way to get back into the game. »
If St-Louis pointed to an ineffective numerical advantage to explain the drop in performance of his team against the Predators on Sunday, he also noted that his team perhaps had a tendency to deviate from the game plan when it was late to register for the score.
“We start the game with a plan and we try to execute it,” he said. We play deep in the opponent’s territory, we apply a good forecheck to get time in the offensive zone. We will chase the puck, not give the opponent time and space. We are difficult to face. But the match progresses, then we move away from these good habits. »
“We are looking for consistency. Players need to continue to do the right things and not start forcing plays. »
The Canadian will have time to refine his game this week, with only two games on the schedule. After a day off on Monday, he returns to training on Tuesday in preparation for a duel against the Pittsburgh Penguins on Wednesday evening at the Bell Centre.
After two more days of training, he will host the New York Islanders on Saturday evening.
“It’s a good opportunity to focus on ourselves,” Allen said. We want to end this sequence on the right foot. »
The Canadian will then play in Winnipeg, St. Paul, Minnesota, and Chicago before his Christmas break.