GAME DAY PREVIEW | Montreal Canadiens vs Toronto Maple Leafs: Preview, TV, Start Time, Statistical Match-up, Projected Lines, Starting Goalies, Keys to Victory, Habs Tickets, NHL Stanley Cup Playoff Series

A Look Back

A tied game after the first period changed pretty quickly after the Habs took six straight penalties. Some of the infractions were justified some were soft calls. In my opinion, it was the non-calls throughout the game on the Leafs that were unacceptable. That changed the game completely and then a questionable coach’s challenge gave the Leafs more momentum. In addition, the Habs offense struggled and quality chances were not only limited but led to blown opportunities.

Last game: MTL 1  TOR 5 

For a complete game recap: Canadiens @ Maple Leafs: Habs Struggle to Score | GAME 2 RECAP

Players to Watch

• Nick Suzuki
  To beat the Leafs, the Habs will need Suzuki to be one of their best players. He has  recorded only one shot in two games which is simply not enough. Suzuki knows he needs to be better as the Habs count on him for offense.
• Cole Caufield
  With Eric Staal being less than 100 percent, Dominique Ducharme is giving Caulfield  an opportunity to get into the lineup. The 20-year-old will get his first action of the postseason after scoring five points in ten games in the regular season. It is hoped that Caufield will bring much needed scoring touch to the Habs offence.
• Brendan Gallagher
  Gallagher will be on a new line with Jesperi Kotkaniemi and Tyler Toffoli to help him make an impact on the game. Gallagher has been invisible in the first two contests and will need to get to the Leafs crease to cause chaos.

Keys to Victory

• Generate offence
  The Leafs offense started clicking last game, mostly due to the numerous power plays. The Habs offense needs to be able to counter and make the zone time more even.
• Be disciplined
  The Habs have had two games to learn the physical line that they can’t cross. If they play smart, physical and disciplined hockey they will have a chance to get back in the win column.
• Play 60 minutes
  Once the game got away from them the Habs were defeated, and stopped playing their game. The Habs need to stick to the physical game plan as the Leafs are going to either try to counter it, something they’re not equipped to do or they are going to turnover the puck.

2020-21 Playoff statistics

• “There’s a lot of excitement. It’s a playoff game. We need to bring the energy. I was put in the lineup to help the team win and do the things that I can. It’s going to be a pretty special night.”

Bottom Line