Montreal Canadiens : A first game full of lessons.

Alright, let's talk about last night's game between the Montreal Canadiens and the Washington Capitals. 

I get it, ok? The Caps have the home advantage. I get it—home advantage, home refereeing—but the refs have to protect the players, and they failed in their mission last night. I don't want to make excuses for the Habs; we'll talk more about them in a minute.

But look at that, cross-check to the face of Gallagher, nothing; Hutson getting punched in the face, nothing. Demidov getting tripped without the puck, nothing; Suzuki getting pushed around for no reason, nothing. Laine getting a check in the back, nothing, and it's even worse for that last play, the refs called an icing when they shouldn't have? leading to Ovechkin's second of the night…

Hutson and Guhle were on the ice for more than a minute already, we can't really blame them.

Again, Washington was physical and dominating early, finishing their checks hard, all legal, but they got carried away, and the refs let them go at it…

Anyway, let's talk more about the game.

On the positive side, Samuel Montembeault brought his A+ game; he was phenomenal, keeping us in the game when they were getting outshot, out-physicaled, and basically outplayed. He gave the Tricolore a shot at winning the game, keeping it at only 2-0 down. If he can keep it up, the Habs have a chance in the series

Also, the 3rd period was very good for their morale. They played well, hard, and fast and were dominating the Caps. They've shown that they can hang in there, and if they take that momentum into game 2, we could have a longer series on our hands.

I'll also add a special mention to the first line, especially Cole and Nick; the offensive leaders stepped up their game to take it into overtime.

On the downside, I'll be quick and not try to be too negative. Matheson was shaky, and he needs to clean up his game, especially on the 2nd power play, where he has a hard time finding Demidov.

Also, Martin St-Louis needs to put Xhekaj in and take David Savard out; it's clear that this team needs a physical boost and someone who can command some respect and protect his teammates.

Finally, Marty also should split Demidov and Laine; they can create sometimes offensively, but if they are not in the O-zone, they clearly have a hard time, so might as well split them and have 4 real lines ready to play and fight in all three zones.

This is not a knock on either of them by the way, but more on their chemistry.

Anyway, there is more good than bad to see of this game, and the young players of this team are learning more and more about the game and themselves. Overall, the future looks promising.