Dummy Hoy said:
Love it.
I think there are matchup issues (which I've detailed), but the common feeling of inevitability is pathetic.
As a goalie, do you have any insight as to Tuukka's struggles against the Habs? SSS is of course a factor, but he's been below standard against those pricks for years.
I think Tuukka's problems are mental. As a goalie, you can over analyze yourself and start "thinking" too much out there. He seems to out think himself, get out of position, and then is scrambling. On the odd man rushes, especially breakaways, it seems he's committing too early and not letting the play come to him. He also seems to make the key timely saves against other teams, but doesn't seem to against Montreal. I don't see it as a style thing, or think Montreal does anything that different than what, say, the Rangers do. The Rangers are similarly skilled as far as speed, and Tuukka is fantastic against them. I just feel he has to work himself out of it, which is why I think Julien keeps starting him against them even playing two games in a row.
I also agree they cause match-up problems, but as timlin alluded to, these are exacerbated when you don't have the legs to chase them around. Then they get down, they get desperate, take horrible chances (See: Hamilton and Chara on Pacorietty's breakaway goal), and then it becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy of suck.
I really hope they get them again this year, and all the teeth gnashing starts that they own them, and then the Bruins eliminate them in 6. One can dream.