WASHINGTON, D.C. – Following a 3-1 loss that put them down 2-0 in their series against the Washington Capitals, Juraj Slafkovsky, visibly upset, stated repeatedly that his Montreal Canadiens simply needed to play better.
For the 21-year-old and six other teammates, it was only their second Stanley Cup Playoff game. Their first game on Monday had already taught them a lot about the intensity of post-season hockey.
It was something they had witnessed many times but never truly felt, and the only way to grasp it was through direct experience.
The lessons came as hard and fast as a forecheck from Tom Wilson. Just when the Canadiens thought they had absorbed the initial blows, after a strong push in the third period before losing Game 1 in overtime, Game 2 delivered another crucial lesson: the Capitals could elevate their performance even further.
Recognizing this now is valuable.
It`s also important for the Canadiens to realize they were competitive in both games, even if at times it felt like they were far behind the Capitals, whose sustained pressure ultimately made the difference.
Both games were essentially decided by a single goal (Connor McMichael scored the empty-netter to make it a two-goal difference with two seconds left in Game 2). The Canadiens now understand they must execute more small plays effectively to create that one crucial moment that can shift the series outcome.
There`s some optimism in this realization, but only some.
Christian Dvorak commented that they aren`t content with just learning lessons; they want to give themselves a real chance to defeat this team.
Dvorak, Brendan Gallagher, and Josh Anderson, the most experienced players on the team in terms of playoff appearances, were the ones who provided that chance.
Their combined effort resulted in Montreal`s only goal on Wednesday, which was no coincidence.
Dvorak emphasized their understanding of what`s required: “Keep it simple, get hard on the forecheck, get pucks back, and get in front of the net. That’s where goals are scored in the playoffs. That’s what it takes for our line.”
