Ann 22008 NHL Playoffs - Round 2: Montreal Canadiens vs. Philadelphia Flyers Game 4 Preview [UPDATED]
April 30th 2008 22:08
Mathematically speaking, even if the Habs lose this game, they're still in it. This game isn't a must-win but they have to win it if they want to go anywhere. If the Flyers pull away with a 3-1 lead in the series, it'll be hard for the Canadiens to win three in a row.
Carbo has to go with objectives tonight so that the team can focus on the task at hand instead of looking at the big picture. First order of business, score the first goal. Montreal has never had a lead in this series while the Flyers have always enjoyed the comfort of a two goals lead (three goals last game). Second, win the battles along the boards. Too often, the Canadiens players shied away from the inevitable contact along the boards. If you want to win the Cup, you have to get your nose dirty, and that goes for the front of the net too. Third, enough with the dump-and-chase strategy already. It's clearly not working since the Flyers always intercept it at the other side. There's no sense in giving away the puck like that when you're on the powerplay. Like the Penguins, the Habs are a puck-possession team, they should stay that way. Brisebois' return will help in that category (and I can't believe I just wrote that). Finally, the defensemen have to stop the Flyers' offense at the blue line. Force them to use the dump-and-chase instead of letting them fly into the D-zone.
John Stevens is doing a good job so far. There's only two things for him to address to his team. One - if they have the lead, they shouldn't let the Habs get back in the game. Two (and it ties into the first one) – stop it with the dumb/indiscipline penalties. It almost sunk them last time. They have to stay organized.
Guy Carbonneau has given no word on who will be his starting goalie. I'm pretty sure it's gonna be Price but I'll confirm as soon I know. Also, Sergei Kostitsyn is a game-time decision. If he can't play Michael Ryder will take his place. I'll update as soon as I know more.
[UPDATE]
In a gutsy move by Carbo, the starting netminder will be Jaroslav Halak - his first playoff start. Speculation is that Price is either injured or mentally tired. Don't forget that Price is only 20 years old. Sergei K. is in.
Carbo has to go with objectives tonight so that the team can focus on the task at hand instead of looking at the big picture. First order of business, score the first goal. Montreal has never had a lead in this series while the Flyers have always enjoyed the comfort of a two goals lead (three goals last game). Second, win the battles along the boards. Too often, the Canadiens players shied away from the inevitable contact along the boards. If you want to win the Cup, you have to get your nose dirty, and that goes for the front of the net too. Third, enough with the dump-and-chase strategy already. It's clearly not working since the Flyers always intercept it at the other side. There's no sense in giving away the puck like that when you're on the powerplay. Like the Penguins, the Habs are a puck-possession team, they should stay that way. Brisebois' return will help in that category (and I can't believe I just wrote that). Finally, the defensemen have to stop the Flyers' offense at the blue line. Force them to use the dump-and-chase instead of letting them fly into the D-zone.
John Stevens is doing a good job so far. There's only two things for him to address to his team. One - if they have the lead, they shouldn't let the Habs get back in the game. Two (and it ties into the first one) – stop it with the dumb/indiscipline penalties. It almost sunk them last time. They have to stay organized.
Guy Carbonneau has given no word on who will be his starting goalie. I'm pretty sure it's gonna be Price but I'll confirm as soon I know. Also, Sergei Kostitsyn is a game-time decision. If he can't play Michael Ryder will take his place. I'll update as soon as I know more.
[UPDATE]
In a gutsy move by Carbo, the starting netminder will be Jaroslav Halak - his first playoff start. Speculation is that Price is either injured or mentally tired. Don't forget that Price is only 20 years old. Sergei K. is in.
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