Sunday, May 16, 2010

Aftermath: Abject Humiliation













CheGordito said...

All I hope is, the Flyers have peaked too soon. Come on, 6-0? If you want the Habs to "wake up", you couldn't do better than that...

Anonymous said...

Exactly what I was thinking, J.T. The Flyers got us trying to play their game instead of focusing on using our speed, protecting our goaltender, playing tight defence, and going to the net. They did the same thing to the Devils in round 1, and we all saw how that worked. I think we'll play a smarter game next time. but I'm hoping to see a great deal more intensity and effort than I saw last night. The team just didn't seem ready. It was very disappointing, but perhaps a spanking will be more salutary than a close loss. The Habs have a lot of character and pride, and I can't see them offering that type of performance again. But I'm very afraid the Flyers just might be too big, too tough, and too well-balanced for us to handle, which would be extremely bitter after we've come this far, especially since we'll probably have pretty much the same team next year.

Anonymous said...

The only advantage to being a Hab fan is we don't have to wear those horrible looking orange jerseys.

Anonymous said...

Crosby was right. Being outchanced 2 to 1 isn't a plan that can work over the long haul.

NorCalVol said...

Perhaps this kind of whipping is just what the boys needed to wake them from whatever slumber they were in.
Sure it was distressing to watch Sunday night's display of meekness and stupid play. But, remember:
The Caps were too good for the Habs to handle them.
The Pens were too experienced to let the Habs control them.
The Flyers?
Let's not forget what the postseason has taught us about Le Bleu-Blanc-et-Rouge...

Unknown said...

@NorCalVol - It's not that the Flyers are better than the Caps, or more experienced than the Pens, it's simply that they're bigger. The Habs looked scared and psyched. Hard to get that particular monkey off your back. Just ask Benoit Pouliot.

I'm not sure their speed will be enough to overcome the Flyers size, and this worries me greatly, even if they do bring the effort, heart and character next game.

DB said...

I wonder what the Post Office charged for delivering the Habs' "mail-in" job last night?

Can't say last night was a total surprise; it's been a roller-coaster ride all season, so why should the playoffs be any different?

I wish teams could dress 19 skaters then the Habs could dress 12 forwards, 6 defencemen, and MAB as a powerplay specialist.

Anonymous said...

The Flyers are not all that big they just play an aggressive forecheck which means speed which leads to momentum which leads to hard physical play. They also have that mentality to play hard, punishing hockey. Briere, Richards and Giroux are all under 6' and 2 are well under 200lbs yet you'd never know it watching them play. Timmonen is is listed at 5'10" but he knocks the Habs on their asses in front of the net. The Flyers advantage is far more mental than physical. Imagine if Laperriere and Carter were healthy. I shudder at the thought if the Habs can't compete under these favouable circumstances.

The Canadiens need to match the Flyers forecheck
and play hard for 60 minutes and stay out of the penalty box.

And by the way JM, sit MAB and play O'Byrne.

Christopher Sama said...

definitely a suckshow but the boys will bounce back.

and you're right, O'Byrne NEEDS to be in the line up. MAB might have a wicked shot but he can only shoot if he keeps the puck in the zone...

Anonymous said...

I dunno JT. The Flyers did what they do against the Habs, go to the net. They come straight down, crash, and try to get shots from high percentage scoring positions. It always worked against the Habs before, worked Sunday, and unless the team adapts they will 'come out flat' four games straight.

I don't care for MAB either, never have. He gives me a heart attack when he is in the D-zone with the puck, and worse when someone pressures the point. But I have to note MAB was +- even last night and not on for any goals against. Dom Moore gets a pass with 2 pp goals against and an even strength against?

I saw a group that didn't want to get dirty. Maybe a little satisfied with themselves. Of course history will record that Leighton played well and that Halak had an 'off night'. Total BS of course. Leighton had nothing to worry about, and Halak had more than he could handle. Hockey is a team game. Blame is an individual one.



V said...

Abject humiliation?

I think it's more humiliating to be one of the 26 teams that are not playing anymore.

As bad as that loss was, I wonder how many of them would trade places with Montreal right now. Probably 26 of them.

NorCalVol said...

So if the Flyers' size is the problem, what is the solution? A team with smaller players can beat a larger squad. There is a way. We'll see on Tuesday if the coaching staff figures out the way, or if it will take two games to figure it out.
This is a challenge that different tactics can solve. The right tactics can befuddle a big team and give our players the confidence they need to overcome the big palookas.
Keep hope alive, Habs.

Anonymous said...

I hate the Flyers. Their fans are about as ugly as the team, too. That guy Carcillo? What the heck? He has the nastiest temper. Coupled with Pronger, I'm afraid for our boys. I think this is where the puck ends. I wish I could be optimistic...