Ann 2Game 68 Review: Islanders Top Kovalev-Less Canadiens 3-2 In OT (Video Included)
March 21st 2009 06:07
When Alex Kovalev was given a two-game rest by Bob Gainey at the end of last month, the team had looked a lot more coherent as a whole but missed the final punch in offense as evidenced by their two losses in that period. Last week, Kovalev was once again forced to the sidelines after getting knocked-out by the flu. He was the third player to suffer that ill-fated disease after Jaroslav Halak and Alex Tanguay. Without him in the line-up, the Canadiens were unable to generate any sustainable offense especially on the powerplay where they went 1-in-6 for the night. Tomas Plekanec had his team's only powerplay goal in their first opportunity early in the game.
Indiscipline marred both teams' play throughout the match. After a scoreless second period, the Islanders took the lead (Plekanec's goal was canceled by Mike Iggulden halfway through the first) early in the third with a powerplay goal of their own. Tom Kostopoulos brought things level again halfway through the third, but the Habs, unable to build consistent attacks, were forced into overtime by a team closer to competing for the Tavares sweepstakes than making the playoffs. What's worse is that they scored less than thirty seconds into overtime to walk away with a much-deserved win.
For the umpteenth time this season, Montreal were completely outworked by their opponent, outshot 39 -26. It's gotten to a point where I won't mention that aspect of the game anymore. So unless I mention the opposite, just assume that the Canadiens are getting outshot, outworked, and outmuscled.
My 3 Stars:
3. Blake Comeau
2. Mark Streit
1. Frans Nielsen
Indiscipline marred both teams' play throughout the match. After a scoreless second period, the Islanders took the lead (Plekanec's goal was canceled by Mike Iggulden halfway through the first) early in the third with a powerplay goal of their own. Tom Kostopoulos brought things level again halfway through the third, but the Habs, unable to build consistent attacks, were forced into overtime by a team closer to competing for the Tavares sweepstakes than making the playoffs. What's worse is that they scored less than thirty seconds into overtime to walk away with a much-deserved win.
For the umpteenth time this season, Montreal were completely outworked by their opponent, outshot 39 -26. It's gotten to a point where I won't mention that aspect of the game anymore. So unless I mention the opposite, just assume that the Canadiens are getting outshot, outworked, and outmuscled.
My 3 Stars:
3. Blake Comeau
2. Mark Streit
1. Frans Nielsen
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