The Montreal Canadiens came up short following a tremendous comeback in Game 1 against the Washington Capitals, on Monday night, losing in overtime 3-2.
Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin got the game-winner at 2:26 into the extra frame, notching his second goal of the night.
The Habs were down 2-0 midway through the third period. But then, the Canadiens capitalized on a power play opportunity. Cole Caufield flexed his offensive muscles, grabbing his first of the postseason.
Here’s a look at the goal:
Caufield picked up a rebound after a Patrik Laine one-timer hit the net. Moments later, Habs’ captain Nick Suzuki tied the game with his first of the postseason.
Let’s take a look:
The gutsy comeback, notwithstanding, came up short due to one crucial factor: The Capitals exposed a glaring hole in the Habs game, namely, their lack of physicality.
The Capitals outhit the Habs 42-33, outmuscling them at various points on the night. A good example came on Anthony Beauvillier’s second-period goal.
Here it is:
The replay shows how Beauvillier barreled into Lane Hutson, keeping the puck away from the rookie defenseman. Then, Dylan Strome picked up the puck along the board, keeping the play alive.
Once the shot came on goal, no one picked up Beauvillier, who, standing at the front of net, picked up the loose puck unimpeded.
Similarly, Alex Ovechkin’s game-winner was the result of a lack of toughness off the draw. Here’s the goal:
The Canadiens’ defensemen were unable to corral the puck or control Ovechkin’s charge to the net. Had the Canadiens been able to control the puck off the draw, they could have made a play. The puck, instead, went to Ovechkin who tore through to the front of the net like a freight train.
The Canadiens will need to step up their physicality in Game 2 if they are to have any chance of evening the series.
Xhekaj could be the answer for Montreal Canadiens in Game 2
The Canadiens could turn to hard-hitting blue liner Arber Xhekaj in Game 2 to offset the physicality from the likes of Ovechkin and Tom Wilson on the Washington Capitals roster.
Xhekaj, a known pugilist, is the type of tough-checking player who could impose his will on the ice, and drop the gloves if needed.
Xhekaj has fallen out of favor in the Montreal lineup as his lack of scoring and defensive miscues have proven costly at times. Nevertheless, the Habs cannot afford to let the Capitals run them over as the series progresses.
The Habs need the sort of physicality that a player like Xkehaj brings to the table. But beyond Xhekaj, the entire Montreal team needs to elevate the physical play to another level. If the Habs can do that, they may have a chance to get back into the series.
Otherwise, the series could be over quickly for Montreal.
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Edited by Nestor Quixtan
