Why getting that overtime win was HUGE

Johab · Guru

Why getting that overtime win was HUGE

habsforeverfan · Veteran Member

Nice post-game psychoanalysis of what is going through both teams' minds.

This current Habs team is very much like the team that we saw at the beginning of the season. Calm, cool and confident. Even when trailing there is a air of confidence in the habs that spell comeback. And in overtime, this team has a familiar calmness in their play reminescient of the 93 cup team although the boys will have to win a few more OT games (10 more) to challenge the record 11 OT wins.

Off note: Cole and Neale must both be going crazy covering the Habs and Sens series and knowing that Montreal and Ottawa both had huge points against TO to knock out the leafs.

Go Habs!

Desi · Senior Member

Sometimes I think it's easier to win big games on the road. At home, the expectations are always higher, the fans are always right there wanting to be pleased, and the team is not physically together in one hotel, on one bus, etc.

Montreal is such a pressure-cooker, and all the noise the fans will make tonight when the team skates on the ice is bound to create some jitters, especially among the younger players and any players who don't have that much playoff experience. The first 10 miinutes will be a real test for them I think.

On the other side you have Carolina, who don't need any extra motivation to win tonight. They know they have to win. But they'll get that extra motivation from the first face-off because every player who ever laced 'em up wants nothing more than to silence the hometown fans.

Psychologically, I truly think we'd be better off playing all our games on the road. But it's sure going to be an exciting night at the Centre Bell. Wish to hell I was going to be there...

Les Canadiens sont la

Ando · Guru

Plus...two is bigger than one!

Figaro · Guru

Johab, I agree with you. To add to it, I was thinking during the OT that whoever wins just might win the series, but more so Montreal. Carolina has got to be second guessing the heck out of themselves right now. No confidence in their goalie (looked what happened to the Habs this year thanks to Theo). That is what Carolina is going through. No goalie, defense if worse than ours and they can't score 5-on-5. They can barely score 5-on-3! So, they have to be sitting there scratching their heads thinking "What can we do?" They'll be looking back instead of forward. Snake bitten. I think we have everything to gain and they've got everything to lose.

And to Desi, I'm not worried about the pressure cooker for the first game back. We've got the lead and the crowd will be 99% Habs fans. Unless we fall early in the game, they will be supportive.