2008 NHL Playoffs - Round 2: Montreal Canadiens vs. Philadelphia Flyers Game 5 Preview
May 3rd 2008 20:31
This is the moment of truth for the Canadiens. A loss tonight will eliminate them from the 2008 playoffs. The lousy weather outside reflects very well the fans' state of mind. Some have given up for this year, others stay optimistic, and most are hoping that Lady Luck will show up on their side for once in this series.
The Canadiens have trailed 1-3 thirteen times in their history. They came back to win it only once. The good news is that several members of the current roster were there for the comeback. Furthermore, the Canadiens have never lost four games in a row in the 2007-2008 reason (their losing streak stops at three). No one is blaming the Habs for playing badly. They outshot and outhit their opponents in all four games, they just can't seem to solve Biron. The situation is dire as reflected in this article (it's in French but the cartoon on top says it all). Guy Carbonneau has confirmed that he will be wearing his tie. During the Montreal-Boston series, there was a sculpture (pictured) in the downtown area which wore the jersey of Carey Price. After Game 1 of this series, the jersey was apparently stolen and the Canadiens hadn't won a game since. For the sake of superstition, the statue will once again wear the jersey (though I have no idea if it's the same jersey or a new one). Lanterns and candles will also be lit for the team. People have even been blaming the team's mascot, Youppi (pictured), for the troubles of the team. In their minds, Youppi should be dyed in another color, thus erasing his orange fur (orange is the Flyers' color).
For this game, the team has to fulfill the objectives that I pointed out in my Game 4 preview. Score the first goal, get your nose dirty along the boards and in front of the net, commit less giveaways, no dumb penalties, and prevent the Flyers from entering the D-zone at full speed. And most of all, keep the faith. Never give up.
Additional notes: Carbo has decided to go back with his old lines for the game. Kovalev will play alongside Plekanec and Andrei K. Sergei K. will play with Koivu and Higgins. The grinders line – Begin, Smolinski, Kostopoulos – has been reunited, leaving the ineffective line of Lapierre, Latendresse and Streit with no particular role. At least this time, there will be only one ineffective line instead of two. Price is back in front of the net with a new glove and a new blocker.
The Canadiens have trailed 1-3 thirteen times in their history. They came back to win it only once. The good news is that several members of the current roster were there for the comeback. Furthermore, the Canadiens have never lost four games in a row in the 2007-2008 reason (their losing streak stops at three). No one is blaming the Habs for playing badly. They outshot and outhit their opponents in all four games, they just can't seem to solve Biron. The situation is dire as reflected in this article (it's in French but the cartoon on top says it all). Guy Carbonneau has confirmed that he will be wearing his tie. During the Montreal-Boston series, there was a sculpture (pictured) in the downtown area which wore the jersey of Carey Price. After Game 1 of this series, the jersey was apparently stolen and the Canadiens hadn't won a game since. For the sake of superstition, the statue will once again wear the jersey (though I have no idea if it's the same jersey or a new one). Lanterns and candles will also be lit for the team. People have even been blaming the team's mascot, Youppi (pictured), for the troubles of the team. In their minds, Youppi should be dyed in another color, thus erasing his orange fur (orange is the Flyers' color).
For this game, the team has to fulfill the objectives that I pointed out in my Game 4 preview. Score the first goal, get your nose dirty along the boards and in front of the net, commit less giveaways, no dumb penalties, and prevent the Flyers from entering the D-zone at full speed. And most of all, keep the faith. Never give up.
Additional notes: Carbo has decided to go back with his old lines for the game. Kovalev will play alongside Plekanec and Andrei K. Sergei K. will play with Koivu and Higgins. The grinders line – Begin, Smolinski, Kostopoulos – has been reunited, leaving the ineffective line of Lapierre, Latendresse and Streit with no particular role. At least this time, there will be only one ineffective line instead of two. Price is back in front of the net with a new glove and a new blocker.
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