A Look Back

Who would have thought that the Habs would be in the position to close out the series, up 3-0 in the series after a dominant game three? It was the Habs depth players doing the damage as the fourth line got things started once again. The Jets had several quality chances but were unable to beat Carey Price. The momentum seemed to go the Habs way early. There is cause for concern tonight as Jeff Petry is a game-time decision having not played the third period on Sunday. Oddly, Petry injured his hand in the camera hole in the glass.

Last game: MTL 5  WPG 1 | Canadiens lead series 3-0

For a complete game recap: Jets @ Canadiens: Armia, Price Lead the Way | HABS GAME 3 RECAP

Players to Watch

• Shea Weber
  Weber has quietly, had a great series and is about to be tested. If Jeff Petry is unable to play, Weber remains the only right shot defenceman and that is a big cause for concern as Weber has played a ton of minutes for the Habs since the playoffs began.
• Artturi Lehkonen
  Lehkonen is doing what he has done his whole career, play hard, play fast and play smart. He has been rewarded in this series, and his effort level is going to make it really hard to take him out. It goes to show the depth at the forward position on this team.
• Josh Anderson
  Anderson needs to use his speed to force the Jets to make mistakes. The Habs coaching staff need to get that type of game out of him every night.

Keys to Victory

• Be ready from puck drop
  The Habs know what it’s like to be desperate knowing the Jets will be facing elimination and are going to come out as desperate as ever. If the Habs can weather the storm early and counter it they will have a good shot at finishing the series.
• Clear the zone
  The Jets offense has been limited to only two goals in three games playing five-on-five. That’s a great stat but the Habs have relied on Carey Price early in games. The Habs defence has to be strong and not getting hemmed in their own zone.
• Win special teams
  The Habs are dominating special teams with two shorthanded and one power-play goal. It’s a complete shock as the Habs were never great at either all season. But when you’re hot the Habs need to continue controlling the special teams game.

2020-21 Playoff statistics

• “We’ve got to trust each other, play the system and work our butts off, basically. You’ve got to work for the guy next to you and they’re going to work for you too.”

Bottom Line