Canadiens lose East Final, residence struggles, energy play amongst elements

3. Too a lot hockey

The Canadiens performed 19 postseason video games earlier than being eradicated, seven of which went to extra time. The Hurricanes performed 13 to get to the Stanley Cup Final, their solely loss in Game 1 of the convention closing. The lengthy layoff harm Carolina in that recreation however helped because the sequence superior.

Carolina’s prime gamers had been recent and Montreal’s massive weapons had been beginning to put on down after enjoying 19 video games in 41 days and by no means having greater than two days off. There are six Canadiens gamers among the many prime eight in whole time on ice leaders for the postseason, topped by defenseman Lane Hutson, who performed 483:36.

Plus, goalie Jakub Dobes performed every of these 19 video games, a workload the rookie goalie had by no means skilled.  

4. Space at a premium

The Hurricanes took time and house away from the Canadiens everywhere in the ice, nevertheless it was most telling when Montreal was on the assault.

In the 6-2 win in Game 1, the Canadiens scored 4 occasions within the first and had 9 pictures for the remainder of the sport because the Hurricanes began to search out their footing. In Game 2, Montreal had 12 pictures on objective. The subsequent recreation, they’d 13 pictures; 5 within the first 40 minutes, and one every within the third interval and in extra time. In Game 4, they’d 18 pictures, and simply 5 within the first interval. In the clinching recreation, Montreal had 4 pictures within the first interval; Carolina had three targets.

For the sequence, Montreal was outshot 167-89. After averaging 25.1 pictures per recreation for its first 14 playoff video games, the Canadiens managed 17.8 in opposition to the Hurricanes. That’s a recipe for failure. 

5. Chasing video games

The Canadiens led for the ultimate 55:56 of Game 1, however they by no means led once more within the sequence. 

While a few of the sequence was performed evenly, as evidenced by extra time being wanted in Games 2 and three, Montreal was chasing the sport for lengthy stretches as nicely. 

Carolina scored first in every of the 5 video games, placing the Canadiens on the again foot and forcing them to alter their recreation plan to get again into the sport. Montreal trailed for 95 minutes and 35 seconds from Carolina’s first objective in Game 2 till the ultimate whistle in Game 5. 

That is an exhausting approach to play hockey, particularly in opposition to the highest seed from the East.