(MTL VS TBL) Montreal Is In Trouble

Useless bottom 6 and non-existent goaltending are costing the Habs games right now

Coming off a game they probably deserved to win, Montreal welcomed in the Tampa Bay Lightning on Tuesday night. Tampa had lost four in a row and been shutout in back-to-back games. So, of course, they were due for a big offensive game.

That obviously happened. Despite playing well, Montreal gave up too many grade-A chances, got terrible goaltending, and lost 6-1.

1st Period:

Montreal started well, so of course they got scored on first. After the play was in the Lightning's end for two minutes, Tampa flipped the puck out. A routine puck was misplayed by Struble, and Point skated around him, beating Dobes clean to open the scoring.

Montreal then drew a penalty. They had about 10 chances, but they were either blocked or missed the net. As soon as the penalty was over, Dobson flubbed a puck at the blue line, and the Tampa guy coming out of the box scored on a breakaway. 2-0 Tampa.

That goal completely took the life out of the Habs. They were then completely dominated for the rest of the period. After an unnecessary icing, they got caught running around in their own zone, and gave up another goal.

3-0 Lightning after one period.

2nd Period:

Montreal had a power play to start the period. They didn't score, and the Lightning immediately scored after on shoddy defensive coverage. Too much passing on the power play...

After that, the Habs dominated the period. They had all the shots, but the Tampa goalie stood on his head after playing last night. They laso missed the net too much.

They finally scored on a power-play to end the period. Demidov passed it to Suzuki, whose shot hit two posts, but Kapanen put the rebound.

4-1 Lightning after 2 periods.

3rd Period:

Raddysh scored two goals for Tampa that Monty should've saved. One from a terrible angle, and one from the point on a power play.

Tampa wins 6-1.

Thoughts:

They played better than the 6-1 scoreline, but that is little consolation. We're getting chances, but can't seem to finish. It's frustrating, but the goals will come eventually.

That being said, the bottom 6 has to start contributing. They are doing absolutely nothing, and we can't rely on Suzuki, Caufield, Demidov, etc. to score every game.

And the goaltending has to be better. I know the defense coverage is bad at times, but they are saving nothing. We need a big save, and they're not doing that right now. Monty is just terrible right now, and Dobes is inconsistent. We get outgoalied every night.

Hab of the Night: Bell Center Fans

Props to the fans that stayed for the whole game, and rightfully booed.

Next Up: @ Penguins

Please play better. And make some saves, whoever is starting.

Article by Jacksen MacLean.