Montreal 3 Buffalo 5 (Bell Centre)
MONTREAL, QC.–After Thursday night’s game, I received an email from Jeff, one of our loyal readers. He included a quote which he copied from the commentariat (to borrow a Boone phrase) at Habs Inside/Out. I’m told it was a reply to the latest battle-cry making the rounds, “Dump Auld. Sign Gerber.”
Moron sauce.
The quote was, “Goaltending is a major question mark going into the regular season. Judging by the post season, In definately (sic) gives one huge concerns. I’m disappointed we didn’t get a better look at Sanford, he couldn’t have done worse than Price and Auld in a few of the games.”
So does that mean Gerber and Sanford are the goaltending answer?
To those who would answer in the affirmative, as John Malkovich would say, “You are part of a league of morons.” If it’s any comfort, there’s a few columnists who are also members of “the league.”
I often wonder if these people actually watch the games or prefer to simply troll message boards. Somehow that makes me feel better, and more hopeful for the possibility of future intelligent discussion when they finally get around to watching a game.
Regarding Alex Auld, he plays far too deep in his net, his lateral movement isn’t as quick as it should be, and yes, he allowed a soft goal in the third period. But if Auld didn’t make 13 saves in the first period when Buffalo dominated, the game would have been over early.
If goaltending is identified as a Post-It note-sized reason for the loss, special teams are represented by a billboard. Tunnel vision on one position on the ice has warped the view of the game for some fans and media.
It’s the pre-season so I’m reluctant to attach too much meaning to statistics, but the Canadiens power-play is 3-for-37. Perhaps more concerning is the 0-for-6 record on 5-on-3 opportunities.
Having said that, assistant coach Kirk Muller has introduced a new power-play scheme. Exhibition games are the perfect place to test out systems before the games get meaningful.
Still, for a team who last year ranked second in the league in power-play success and worst while 5-on-5, it doesn’t bode well. A team built on speed needs to be lethal with the man advantage as a deterrent to being manhandled.
Equally disturbing has been the performance of the penalty killers. The Sabres scored three goals on eight chances.
When the Canadiens head to the Charlevoix area after Saturday’s game for a few days of practise and bonding, Muller should have two items on his things-to-do list.
The first is obvious: Fix the power-play, and do it quickly. Second: Take Price and Auld out for dinner as a thank you for the cover that they have provided. While “the league” scapegoats goalies, the power-play has mostly avoided criticism.
Plus and minus:
▲ Brian Gionta was one of three forwards on the plus side of the ledger. He deserves to be on this list simply as this was his first game wearing the ‘C’.
▲ Max Lapierre received a five minute major for fighting. Punches were thrown. Give the decision to number 40. Boxing lessons in the summer have added a new skill to his tool-belt.
▲ Jeff Halpern was effective with limited ice time (less than eight minutes). He created turnovers that led to two goals by the Habs.
► Andrei Kostitsyn started slow but for the last half of the game, he played very well. Unfortunately he didn’t have linemates who complimented him.
▼ Benoit Pouliot is on the list because at this point he must start making things happen to secure a roster spot. He was a no-show again in this game.
▼ P.K. Subban continued his poor pre-season play taking two penalties and committing far too many turnovers.
Montreal plays their final game of the pre-season schedule against the New York Islanders in Quebec City on Saturday night.
All Habs game stars:
1. Brian Gionta
2. Jeff Halpern
3. no other deserving Canadiens player
(AP Photo/The Canadian Press, Paul Chiasson)