Telling Stats: Room for Improvement

[GoldenForum]

One of the things that has struck me all season is how often we don't score the game's first goal/score in Period 1. With Martin's system it would really help if we did.

Thus far in the 1st period of games we have been outscored 22-11.

Our record when trailing entering the 3rd period: 1-9-2

(I believe it was Mathias Brunet who published these stats yesterday-- man is he a great reporter overall. On a sidenote, loved his level-headed bit on how twice Martin unwisely inserted MAB during crucial periods of recent games)

Anyway, not only have we had to expend much extra energy playing OT games, but playing catch-up, as any hockey player knows, is just more draining than when you can set the scoring pace. This is one area where the Habs can really try to improve and I think it would translate to a few more regular wins. I'm surprised that Martin has not spoken more openly about the need to score first (though I think he's a really good coach).

[InglewoodJack]

Its the opposite of last year.
Last year we would often see the team going into the second 1-0 or 2-0, only to see the game end 3-1 or the famous 4-2 loss.
This year I notice many games where the Habs are trailing and end up catching up. Case in point: last night, and the night before, and I think they were trailing to Carolina?

[Aznrx8]

That's because we take too many penalties and we can't convert on the PP

[HotPie]

No **** there's room for improvement.

We're missing 2 of our top 6, MARKOV, and Gill.

Sort of hard to objectively analyze this team with so many key injuries. We haven't been healthy all season.

[BaseballCoach]

Originally Posted by HotPie

No **** there's room for improvement.

We're missing 2 of our top 6, MARKOV, and Gill.

Sort of hard to objectively analyze this team with so many key injuries. We haven't been healthy all season.

And Gomez was playing hurt for several games, limping when not on skates.

[overlords]

Originally Posted by Aznrx8

That's because we take too many penalties and we can't convert on the PP

The habs still get PP's? I thought they took those out of the CBA over the summer.

[FuriousBob]

Originally Posted by GoldenForum

Thus far in the 1st period of games we have been outscored 22-11.

Our record when trailing entering the 3rd period: 1-9-2

Didn't we loose juste once in OT?

[Thorn]

Originally Posted by FuriousBob

Didn't we loose juste once in OT?

Maybe he can see the future?

To me the team has been really coming together the last couple of games. PK and goaltending is better, 5v5 we are improving. It's the damned PP that is hurting us.