PHILADELPHIA — A defensive miscue between Arber Xhekaj and David Savard behind their net allowed Olle Lycksell to set up Nicolas Deslauriers for his first goal of the season.
Just over a minute later, Sean Couturier`s goal extended the Philadelphia Flyers` lead to 3-1. This marked the fifth even-strength goal conceded by the pairing of Xhekaj and Savard since the Canadiens entered a playoff position with a 6-3 victory over the Ottawa Senators the previous Tuesday.
The decision to keep Xhekaj and Savard on the ice after Couturier’s goal was questionable, but their defensive approach on the play was even more baffling.
The issue wasn`t just that both defenders were positioned high in their zone as the puck deflected off Couturier in front of their own netminder, Jakub Dobes. The real problem was the lack of urgency from both players in closing down the players they were supposed to be covering. It was clear that their intention was to make a play, but the execution was lacking.
Xhekaj and Savard are known for their hard work and good intentions, always striving to contribute and help the Canadiens secure a playoff berth.
However, their recent struggles reflect a broader issue within the Canadiens team as they navigate the pressure of the late season.
On Thursday, the discomfort of holding a wild-card spot – a position they hadn`t consistently held for long periods since their rebuild began three years prior – seemed to contribute to poor performance. This resulted in their fourth consecutive loss, and a third straight defeat characterized by a slow start and crucial mental errors that a team vying for the playoffs can ill afford.
The Canadiens should have defeated the Flyers, especially considering Philadelphia`s recent losing streak leading up to the game.
Montreal fell to a Flyers team that was expected to come out strong, given their recent losses and the dismissal of their head coach, John Tortorella, earlier that day. Adding to the Flyers` challenges, defenseman Cam York was benched for the entire game due to disciplinary reasons.
