5 Takeaways from Montreal Canadiens vs. Nashville Predators

By Lissa Albert

5 Takeaways from Montreal Canadiens vs. Nashville Predators

PK Subban celebrates his overtime winner in Montreal Canadiens vs Nashville Predators — When two strong teams come together, it's expected to be an exciting game. While it had its excitements, this game was not the energetic contest fans expected to see. Instead, it was a one-goal game for most of the 60 minutes, and ended in overtime. Here are five takeaways from the game.

5. Staying disciplined is crucial

Alex Galchenyuk Montreal Canadiens

5. Staying disciplined is crucial

Alex Galchenyuk Montreal Canadiens — The Habs took only two penalties all night, while Nashville took four. While both teams have strong penalty kills and were identical in power play percentage before the game, the Habs managed to capitalize on two of their PPs, giving them the win. They stayed disciplined, which proved to be crucial.

4. Referees got it right in overturning a call

Referees talk with Predators coach Peter Laviolette

4. Referees got it right in overturning a call

Referees talk with Predators coach Peter Laviolette — In the second period, referees called a penalty on Andrei Markov when Olli Jokinen got hit by a puck. It was roundly booed by spectators, those in the stands and on social media when repeated replays showed the puck, not Markov's stick, clearly hitting Jokinen. After discussion with both benches, the referees overturned the call. This is the first time I've ever seen that, and kudos to the refs who made the right call.

3. Shots on goal lead to goals

David Desharnais, Montreal Canadiens, Filip Forsberg, Nashville Predators

3. Shots on goal lead to goals

David Desharnais, Montreal Canadiens, Filip Forsberg, Nashville Predators — By the second half of the second period, the Canadiens got their fifth shot of the game. At that point, the SOG were 25-5, and that is no way to win a hockey game. This is a problem that has plagued the Habs all season, which is why they are putting up a negative shot differential. It will not help them going forward if they can't generate more shots on goal.

2. Playing a full 60-minute game is preferable

Montreal Canadiens celebrate a win against Nashville Predators

2. Playing a full 60-minute game is preferable

Montreal Canadiens celebrate a win against Nashville Predators — Once again, the Canadiens found themselves running to catch up in order to get the equalizer in the third period. Playing for the last period of a game is not the way to win hockey games. In the second half of the season, the Canadiens must start playing the full 60 minutes.

1. Relying on the goalie makes Carey Price invaluable

Carey Price, Montreal Canadiens, Mike Fisher, Nashville Predators

1. Relying on the goalie makes Carey Price invaluable

Carey Price, Montreal Canadiens, Mike Fisher, Nashville Predators — Returning in this game from a short absence due to injury, Price was tested early and often, rising to the challenge as he stopped 37 of 38 shots. Despite a vast difference in shots on goal, the Habs managed to get to the third period only trailing the Predators by one. This is a testament to Price.

Lissa Albert is a Montreal Canadiens writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow her on Twitter @LissaRantSports. “Like” her on Facebook and/or add her to your network on Google.

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