Marc DesRosiers – USA TODAY Sports
Although their big win in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals should’ve given them momentum going into Game 3 today, the Montreal Canadiens failed to use it to their advantage losing to the Ottawa Senators by a devastating score of 6-1. The Senators now lead the series by two games to one.
If they were not concerned before then they should be concerned after this loss now especially since Brian Gionta and Max Pacioretty returned. It did not seem to make much of a difference. And they are still withouth Lars Eller. Frustrations were high going into the third period of the game and a line brawl that broke out at center ice ultimately gave the Senators a man-advantage. Ottawa is dominating them and the series, which is good cause for concern.
The Canadiens need to get their act together and play more disciplined hockey for a full 60 minutes if they want to get back into the fight especially since they relinquished home-ice advantage, which the Senators will likely take full advantage. Ottawa is 15-6-3 when playing at Scotiabank Place, so that is significant enough to cause the Canadiens concern as well. Their next chance to redeem themselves comes on Tuesday at 7:00 pm (est). If they do not win this next game then I would guess the Habs may as well hang up their skates for the season.
Stephanie Lewark is an NHL and Pittsburgh Penguins Senior Writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow her on Twitter (@steelcitysports), check out her Facebook page, or add her to your Google+ circle.
