The battle of adjustments
By: Turner Sports Desk
Jim Turner
Turnersportsdesk.com
May 18, 2010
Game two of the NHL Eastern Conference Finals is all about the adjustments. The Montreal Canadiens find themselves on very familiar ground. They had their number #1 goalie chased after getting lit up but they’ve
always managed to respond strong. The Flyers have very few adjustments due to the masterful performance they turned in on Sunday but as the Caps and Penguins learned, what worked one game versus Montreal may not work the next game.
If Montreal is to be successful tonight:
- Smarter play in their own zone – Normally a strength but
Philly’s fast and relentless fore-check exposed the Habs.
- Keep Halak Flyer Free – Up to this point Halak has had very
few people invading his personal space in the crease but Philly violated his
sanctity which appears to be the only way to rattle him.
- Take advantage of the power play opportunities – Philly gives
you chances so you gotta make them pay when you are a man up.
If Philly is to be successful tonight:
- Fore-check like mad men – Force Montreal’s defensemen to
operate under pressure
- Invade Halak’s personal space – Halak can stop pretty much
everything he sees so you gotta get in the crease and make him stop the 2nd
and 3rd shots.
- Attack, Attack, Attack – Keep the ice tilted and wear the
little Canadiens down
Normally I would give the must have advantage to the home team in the first two games but due to the way that Philly routed Montreal I think the Habs need to come out and show a lot more of what got them to this point even if they lose. The Montreal compete level needs to be raised by a factor of 10 in addition to any adjustments made.