TORONTO | There is always a culture of secrecy in the playoffs. It becomes even more true when teams train without the presence of journalists and the many television cameras. Like Claude Julien and Alain Vigneault, Kirk Muller has adopted the strategy of saying as little as possible within a few hours of a game.
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Defeated 1 to 0 in the third game and behind 2 to 1 in this series against the Philadelphia Flyers, the Canadian will seek to regain his enthusiasm and energy from the second meeting. The CH had played a practically perfect match the day after Claude Julien’s hospitalization by winning 5 to 0.
For Muller, the Habs can find this level of play.
“It starts with a solid goalkeeper and good players in front,” said the former captain of the Canadiens. We need to play well without the puck and stay intense. When you play the right way, the right things happen. We will need a 60 minute performance. “
“We will eventually score. The message to the guys was not to look at the results, but more the ways to get there. “
The Canadian will need more offense after a shutout against youngster Carter Hart in Game 3. But what’s ironic is that the Flyers have only scored three goals in this series, compared to six for the CH. And it’s the Philadelphia team that has control of the series with a 2-1 lead.
Asked if he will consider making changes or modifying his lines, Muller offered a classic answer.
“We will not go into details. We’ll see before the game, ”replied the man nicknamed“ Captain Kirk ”. But don’t expect big changes.
Julien is recovering well
Muller recalled that he had carte blanche in his decisions for his training. Marc Bergevin and Julien trust him completely.
Operated last Thursday to install a stent in a coronary artery, Julien is doing well.
“I spoke to him on Monday,” Muller said. He’s taken steps, that’s good news. I was happy to hear that. The most important thing is his health. I know he’s doing fine. “
TRAINING DURING THE 3RD MATCH
Tatar-Suzuki-Gallagher
Lehkonen-Danault-Byron
Domi-Kotkaniemi-Drouin
Belzile-Evans-Armia
Chiarot-Weber
Ear-Petry
Mete-Ouellet
Price
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