"Talk to any team, early goals always change the momentum, they swing things in your favor. You work, you work, you work and don't get the opportunities, and it's tough to stay with it," said Paul Byron. "As a team, that has to be the focus right now: making sure you set an example, stay with it every shift, every night. The season is not over here. We have to continue to try to get better. We have to be a bit more sharp, for sure."
Byron's work almost did pay off, as he thought he had put the puck past Roberto Luongo to narrow the gap to 4-1 in the third, but the goal was disallowed on account of goalie interference following a coach's challenge.
While Jonathan Drouin recognized that age and inexperience may have been a factor in the shutout loss, but hopes he and his teammates can seize the opportunity to improve on things and build for the future.
"Every player can take responsibility for our level of play. It's about playing hockey and continuing to work," relayed Drouin. "Sometimes, you'll have new guys who are just starting out in the NHL. They're nervous, they're not used to everything yet and it takes time, but even still, there are things to change, to work on and that's what'll make the difference."
The Canadiens may have directed 40 shots at Luongo on Thursday - the 14th time they had reached that number this season - but to a man, they all agreed that they needed to do more, and that they can't fall back on the injury situation that continues to plague them as a defense for their results.
"Everyone needs to take responsibility; no one is excluded from that. We would definitely like to see these guys produce more. The tough matchups on the road, all elite players have to deal with the same thing. One thing I don't want to do is find excuses for the guys," concluded Julien. "I'd rather find solutions and I'd like for the players to find solutions, too."
