If:
- the top two lines start putting the puck on net
- the refs start calling full infractions - not half (why does goaltender interference, as Phoff asked, not necessarily result in a penalty? And why can you get away with it the second time, but not the first?), including the occasional high stick against Montreal
- the Habs figure out how to (a) get out of their own end without circling the net more than once, and (b) enter the Carolina zone either not in a straight line or without everyone heading to the boards
In a series in which it pays to be on the road (the sheer volume of the Bell Centre - hockey's largest capacity arena - is a joy to fans; I can only imagine it makes the home team's job that much tougher), tonight's match will be crucial. With Steve Begin back in the lineup, the Canadiens might be able to slow down Rod Brind'amour somewhat.
Most importantly, though, your Michael Ryders, Mike Ribeiros and Jan Bulises have got to involve themselves in the play from the first whistle on. Dollars to doughnuts sats that Kovalev's knee is acting up, and the defencemen shouldn't be the ones called on to pick up the slack.
And Sheldon Souray, who has proven to be slightly better than utterly useless, should dump his ass sticks. In fact, the equipment manager should ensure that every player on a penalty killing assignment should have an old-timey wood stick. Someone needs to do a proper cost/benefit analysis on the graphite sticks. Shaky, shall I put out an RFP?
