"Five-on-five, definitely got to try to find a way to produce more if we're going to keep moving forward."
The captain emphasized that minor adjustments rather than systemic overhauls are required to spark the offense. "It's not one big thing that's missing.
It's just little plays here and there. I think all three of us can do a better job.
Definitely exciting for our group where we haven't been producing at where we usually are.
Guys have stepped up and helped us out and we've got to return the favor and play a little better."
The earlier series against Buffalo also featured strategic media tension regarding officiating, after Sabres coach Lindy Ruff alleged that Canadiens players were exaggerating contact to draw penalties.
"I know Montreal's got a good power play," said Ruff, "but I think they're going down easy."
Montreal head coach Martin St. Louis dismissed the gamesmanship before the team traveled. "Was he talking about his team, too?"
said St. Louis.
"That's seeing it through his lens, so I'm not going to comment on how he sees things through his lens.
That's his vision of things."
Prior to making those statements, Ruff had dismissed complaints regarding physical play near Montreal rookie goaltender Jakub Dobeš after Game 2.
"That's all stuff that happens inside of a game, I'm pretty sure Montreal guys skated by our guys too.
I just don't complain about it as much as they do, probably."
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The Canadiens enter the Eastern Conference Finals balancing this immediate performance pressure against long-term roster planning, as key veteran role players Phillip Danault and Josh Anderson approach the final years of their respective contracts.
