After OT heartbreaker by Alex Ovechkin, Montreal Canadiens lean on experience gained in game 1
Photo credit: Imagn Images
After a big comeback in their Stanley Cup Playoffs opener, the Montreal Canadiens are banking on experience gained in Game 1 to help them equalize the series against the Washington Capitals.
Martin St. Louis acknowledged nerves played a part in Montreal's slow start during the 3-2 overtime loss, but he believes those jitters will fade moving forward.
«I think it's both,» St. Louis said. «I think Washington's going to keep doing the same thingthey are where they are for a reason, this is a very good hockey team. Did we calm down through that game a little bit? Yes, I think our nerves were better the second half of that game. I hope we can start the game tomorrow, which for a young team I don't know, but I hope we can start the game in that kind of mindset.
«Just be of a calm mind, understand what Washington is good at just execute through that.»
«Just be of a calm mind, understand what Washington is good at just execute through that.»
Despite losing 2-0, the Montreal Canadians rallied with goals from Cole Caufield and Nick Suzuki to force overtime but Alex Ovechkin gave Washington the victory.
Alex Newhook said that the experience of facing playoff intensity will benefit the Canadiens in Game 2.
«You obviously have to go through some challenges and some adversity with a young group like this in order to reach where you want to get to, and I think we've done that a lot this year and I think it's no different this time of year,» he said. «Now we've seen what it's like and we've seen an environment and a Game 1 setting in playoff hockey. We just got to learn how to really settle into that and bring our best next game."
Montreal Canadians lineup includes first-time playoff performers like Lane Hutson, Juraj Slafkovsky and Ivan Demidov as well as goaltender Sam Montembeault.
Martin St. Louis expects a more composed start in Game 2 but acknowledged not all players adjust at the same pace.
«From my own experience I would say 'yes.' Now, is that across the board? I don't know,» he said. «Some guys need more reps than that, not everybody's the same, not everybody reacts the same. But I feel overall we should. To a man? I don't know.»
Game 2 is set for Wednesday night in Washington.
| POLL | ||
AVRIL 23 | 42 ANSWERS After OT heartbreaker by Alex Ovechkin, Montreal Canadiens lean on experience gained in game 1 Who do you think will win game 2 of the series between the Washington Capitals and the Montreal Canadiens? | ||
| Montreal Canadiens | 2 | 4.8 % |
| Washington Capitals | 40 | 95.2 % |
| List of polls | ||
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