Ann 2Game 20 Review: O'Byrne Costs Canadiens As Islanders Win 4-3 In Shootout
November 26th 2008 23:51
Luck hasn't been on the Montreal Canadiens' side lately. Despite better defensive performances, and a lot more intensity-fueled play, they still can't defeat low-tiered teams convincingly. The New York Islanders are arguably the worst team in the Eastern Conference, yet they managed to skate out of the Bell Centre with a shootout win after a bonehead play from defenseman Ryan O'Byrne.
The Canadiens started the game in a way that has become tradition for them. Once again, Carey Price had to signal himself early to keep the scoresheet goal-less before his teammates got the kinks out of their system. Despite Price's best efforts, it was the Islanders who opened the scoring on a powerplay when the loose puck found its way to the slot where Richard Park banged it home, Kovalev and Markov screening Price on the play. Seventeen seconds later, the home side replied with Steve Begin scoring his second of the season by deflecting a shot from the point. The Canadiens would use that goal as a springboard, scoring their second a couple of minutes later via Josh Gorges on the powerplay. It was the young defenseman's first goal in the Canadiens' uniform – a goal that he's been desperately looking for, going as far as having teammates sacrificing his stick the week before to remove the jinx.
The Canadiens added to their lead early in the second when Chris Higgins passed to Maxime Lapierre who was rushing towards the net, scoring his second of the season. The Islanders replied four minutes later with another powerplay goal, this time scored by Trent Hunter. At 3-2 halfway in the second, there was plenty of time for the visitors, but the Habs decided to play some smart hockey, doing everything to protect their lead while also getting some scoring chances. For once, it was all going well for the Canadiens. They were respecting the gameplan and keeping the Islanders away from their zone for as long as possible. All signs were pointing to victory until Ryan O'Byrne, under pressure, decided to pass the puck back to Price (which doesn't even make sense. You don't pass back to your goalie when under pressure, you do a rim-around. This isn't soccer). Only problem is, Price wasn't in the net since there was a delayed penalty, and just like that O'Byrne scored what is probably one of the worst own-goals in post-lockout hockey. The rest, as they say, was history. Despite two powerplay opportunities, the Habs couldn't get the winning-goal. On the shootout, all Canadiens shooters came up with pathetic attempts while two Islanders got the best of Price with shots to the glove side. In the end, you win some, you lose some. Since the beginning of the season, the Canadiens won some games they didn't deserve to win. On Tuesday, the balance was restored as they lost one of their best recent performances.
It's the third consecutive time O'Byrne has cost the Canadiens a win. Some people would say that the Habs had two chances to take the lead again with two powerplay opportunities, but the principle of the matter is that the Canadiens have to learn how to keep a lead and win one-goal games, and right now O'Byrne's performances in late-game situations have left a lot to be desired. The same people would say that Alex Kovalev didn't show up to play again, but I beg to differ. For once, he actually restrained himself from making too many giveaways, and often used linemate Tomas Plekanec as a launching pad. Plus, he stood in front of the net late in the game when the Habs were actively looking for a goal. He actually stood in front of the goalie's zone and took the opposing defensemen's abuse, something that he has never done before (at least for as long as I've been watching him with the Habs). The Canadiens are slowly shifting their style of play. Unfortunately, they have no victories to show up for it. The rest of the week will be a lot more difficult than what they've faced so far with a visit to the Detroit Red Wings, and the high-flying Washington Capitals.
My 3 Stars:
3. Josh Gorges
2. Richard Park
1. Joey MacDonald
The Canadiens started the game in a way that has become tradition for them. Once again, Carey Price had to signal himself early to keep the scoresheet goal-less before his teammates got the kinks out of their system. Despite Price's best efforts, it was the Islanders who opened the scoring on a powerplay when the loose puck found its way to the slot where Richard Park banged it home, Kovalev and Markov screening Price on the play. Seventeen seconds later, the home side replied with Steve Begin scoring his second of the season by deflecting a shot from the point. The Canadiens would use that goal as a springboard, scoring their second a couple of minutes later via Josh Gorges on the powerplay. It was the young defenseman's first goal in the Canadiens' uniform – a goal that he's been desperately looking for, going as far as having teammates sacrificing his stick the week before to remove the jinx.
The Canadiens added to their lead early in the second when Chris Higgins passed to Maxime Lapierre who was rushing towards the net, scoring his second of the season. The Islanders replied four minutes later with another powerplay goal, this time scored by Trent Hunter. At 3-2 halfway in the second, there was plenty of time for the visitors, but the Habs decided to play some smart hockey, doing everything to protect their lead while also getting some scoring chances. For once, it was all going well for the Canadiens. They were respecting the gameplan and keeping the Islanders away from their zone for as long as possible. All signs were pointing to victory until Ryan O'Byrne, under pressure, decided to pass the puck back to Price (which doesn't even make sense. You don't pass back to your goalie when under pressure, you do a rim-around. This isn't soccer). Only problem is, Price wasn't in the net since there was a delayed penalty, and just like that O'Byrne scored what is probably one of the worst own-goals in post-lockout hockey. The rest, as they say, was history. Despite two powerplay opportunities, the Habs couldn't get the winning-goal. On the shootout, all Canadiens shooters came up with pathetic attempts while two Islanders got the best of Price with shots to the glove side. In the end, you win some, you lose some. Since the beginning of the season, the Canadiens won some games they didn't deserve to win. On Tuesday, the balance was restored as they lost one of their best recent performances.
What was he thinking?
It's the third consecutive time O'Byrne has cost the Canadiens a win. Some people would say that the Habs had two chances to take the lead again with two powerplay opportunities, but the principle of the matter is that the Canadiens have to learn how to keep a lead and win one-goal games, and right now O'Byrne's performances in late-game situations have left a lot to be desired. The same people would say that Alex Kovalev didn't show up to play again, but I beg to differ. For once, he actually restrained himself from making too many giveaways, and often used linemate Tomas Plekanec as a launching pad. Plus, he stood in front of the net late in the game when the Habs were actively looking for a goal. He actually stood in front of the goalie's zone and took the opposing defensemen's abuse, something that he has never done before (at least for as long as I've been watching him with the Habs). The Canadiens are slowly shifting their style of play. Unfortunately, they have no victories to show up for it. The rest of the week will be a lot more difficult than what they've faced so far with a visit to the Detroit Red Wings, and the high-flying Washington Capitals.
My 3 Stars:
3. Josh Gorges
2. Richard Park
1. Joey MacDonald
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