Habster:
There’s a very familiar slogan used by many sports which states, “The best defense is a good offense”….well Canadiens fans, after the Habs were badly outplayed and out shot (41-20) by a faster, harder working Maple Leafs team, I have to take exception to that theory, at least when it pertains to this early season edition of the Canadiens.
Thus far into the season, the Canadiens are allowing too many quality scoring chances and shots on net to their opposition. The Habs are ranked 22nd in the NHL with 31.6 shots allowed per game and their scoring chances allowed per game are also in the top ten.
After giving up only 20 goals in first 9 games, the Canadiens have surrended 14 GA in the last 3 games, not a comforting situation for Guy Carbonneau and the coaching staff.
The team needs to have a “defense first” mentality before they start free wheeling into the offensive zone in an “all out”attack mode. The emphasis should be placed on clearing their zone with crisp, tape to tape passes and always be ready for a solid two way game plan, with ALL the players on board!!
Like many Hab fans, I’m not totally convinced the Canadiens have enough grit in their lineup that can “stir the pot” when the team needs a momentum change. Maxim Lapierre and Georges Laraque were suppose to fill that role but for the most part, it’s been only Tom Kostopoulos. Steve Begin is sitting in the press box and appears to be in Carbo’s doghouse. He also appears to have lost a step and takes bad penalties at the worst possible times.
If these players can’t help in the “Mo” or grit department and the Canadiens continue their lackluster efforts, then let’s shake things up by recalling a Kyle Chipchura, Greg Stewart or even Max Pacioretty from Hamilton.
Scoring isn’t the concern with the Canadiens, it’s stopping the other teams from scoring and limiting their scoring chances which also involves better play by a struggling defense corp. The addition of Roman Hamrlik back in the lineup after a one game hiatus (sore shoulder) should help bring more stability to the blueline. Here’s hoping Carbo gives Ryan O’Byrne a few games along side Hamrlik.
I’m also not totally sold on having three offensive lines with no true checking line. At the beginning of the season, most fans (including myself!!) thought the three offensive line system/theory wasn’t a bad idea with the new fast paced, run and gun style being played in the Eastern Conference.
If you verify the top five teams in the standing at the present time (San Jose, NY Rangers, Detroit, Anaheim and Boston), they all have defined checking lines with grit and an ability to play a physical style.
After a 60 minute video session with the coaching staff to discuss the team deficiencies and a brisk, upbeat 75 minute on-ice practice, the Canadiens will have a chance tonight to get back on the track against an improving Ottawa Senators team…..it should be fun to see if they have understood what needs to be done!!
Hey Habster. Good article which, as you already, I disagree with. As soon as I saw it posted, I felt the need to do my “rebutal” job and post a counter article.
Oh and I forgot to mention in my own article but the original saying was “The best offense is a good defense”. The other way around was a quote from John Madden.
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