The diamond formation, which consists of defending a shorthanded player with an attacker covering the point, two players at the front of the faceoff circle, and a final player further back, is perhaps the most common formation in the NHL.

When executed well, it prevents cross-field passes over the top of the slot and eliminates the need for the one-timer option. Except that this system is not error-free. Especially for a team in learning mode like the Canadians.

The Sabers proved that twice rather than once on Thursday night, taking advantage of that mistake near Jake Allen to hit the target. In both sequences, a late reaction allowed a pass through the goalkeeper's semicircle, giving the Canadian's masked man no chance.

So it's no surprise that Martin St-Louis invited his flock to a video session on Friday morning rather than a full training session.

“We apply the same structure as the eight or nine best teams,” argued the Canadian head coach.

Lack of communication

However, the Habs penalty kill unit ranks 31st^e and penultimate row of the circuit with a low resistance percentage of 72.1%.

“The reading of the game must also be taken into account. “When we read well, it’s hard to face,” he continued. There are also individual errors. You have to be on task.”

One could perhaps even speak of a lack of communication. The above-mentioned delayed reactions indicate that the tasks of everyone involved may not have been clear enough or not sufficiently understood.

“As far as structure goes, we do good things, but you have to know when to apply pressure, when to let the opponent run down the ramp and know who is coming down to take care of the opposing player.” [back door]», listed Samuel Montembeault.

Like Jake Allen, Montembeault is the first victim of these manless problems.

“[Comme gardien]What we don't want are cross passes. “It's difficult for us because the boys have excellent one-timers,” he explained. We also have to prevent guys from getting too much inside before they take a shot.”

Adjustments are best made quickly. The New York Rangers, who will be guests at the Bell Center on Saturday evening, are in second place in the table with an efficiency of 30.4% in the power play.

A chair for Heineman

Getty Images via AFP

Additionally, using a formation with 11 attackers and seven defenders has its limitations. The Habs were aware of this reality and recalled Emil Heineman after three meetings in which they had to apply it.

The Swede will fill the spot left vacant since Christian Dvorak withdrew after the Florida game. For the 22-year-old striker, it is the second recall in just over three weeks.

The first time around he only wore his jersey in two out of five games and was only used sporadically.

“The last time he visited I thought we played well. I loved our threesome. He’ll probably get more playing time this time,” St-Louis said.

“Then it always depends on the player’s reaction. “If you play seven minutes, make me give you 10. If you play 10, make me give you 12,” he continued. You can always steal a chair.”

And given the extent of the attacking damage to the Canadian, there are some chairs to steal.