Montreal Canadiens head coach Martin St-Louis often suggested after losses that his team had shot itself in the foot, whether through mistakes or indiscipline.

On Sunday, the Canadian gave the St. Louis Blues five numerical advantages, who took advantage of the opportunity to score three goals. The Blues ultimately won the game 7-2.

In defending members of the Canadiens, players from both teams seemed frustrated with the decisions made by referees Garrett Rank and Kyle Rehman, which is never a good sign.

St-Louis still reiterated that “there are situations where they are not penalties, but tonight they were penalties.” However, he noted that at least “they were not lazy punishments.”

Instead, he linked these penalties to his players' combative style and the fact that “sometimes the line is thin.”

In the locker room, the players tried to make their mea culpa.

“We have to be more careful,” said captain Nick Suzuki, who was the victim of a severe penalty. In my case, I got into a wrong position and wanted to prevent my rival from shooting. »

Defenseman Jayden Struble looked deep in the box for seven seconds before Jordan Kyrou scored in the first period.

His playing partner David Savard recalled that perhaps players should trust each other instead of trying to make up for a mistake with a punishing gesture. “It’s a team game,” said the 33-year-old veteran. When you are in a good position it is easier to stay out of the penalty area. »

“Often there is another line of defense. You will be punished with your stick, but you have to choose your battles, he added. There is also the goalkeeper behind who can save. We need to pay more attention to this. »

The Canadians remain one of the most penalized teams in the NHL and have one of the worst efficiencies when shorthanded. This is a combination that will rarely lead to success.

The St. Louis team took advantage of the Monday off. The Habs host the Anaheim Ducks at the Bell Center on Tuesday night.

To watch in the video