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

The effort that has been missing the entire series final showed up as the Habs got back into the series. The Habs were led by Joel Armia who scored two early goals giving the Habs lots of momentum to start the game. The Habs did however fail to play a full sixty minutes and collapsed in the third as the Leafs came back to force overtime. It didn’t take long in the extra period as a turnover by former Hab Alex Galchenyuk gave Cole  Caufield and Nick Suzuki the opportunity for the overtime winner.

Last game: MTL 4  TOR 3 (OT) | Leafs lead series 3-2

For a complete game recap: Canadiens @ Maple Leafs: Vets, Youth Combine for Win | HABS GAME 5 RECAP

Players to Watch

• Jeff Petry
  It’s hard to believe that the Habs second leading scorer has yet to score a point in the playoffs and that needs to change. The one good thing from last game was Petry was a physical presence tying the team lead with six hits. The Habs need Petry to repeat his physical play and find his scoring touch tonight to force a game seven.
• Brendan Gallagher
  Gallagher has not been at his best this series and was a big reason the Leafs comeback started. If there’s a game where the Habs need Gallagher more than ever it’s tonight. It’s his time to show just how much he does believe in this team with a strong performance.
• Jake Evans
  Evans will be a game time decision after being out the last few games, Evans brings energy and relentless pressure which is exactly what the Habs need tonight. It will be interesting to see who comes out for Evans if is able to play.

Keys to Victory

• Start strong
  Habs supporters are going to be wanting something early to cheer about and the Habs know getting on the board first does wonders for them. Feeding off those 2500 fans could be a big thing as this will be the first time fans have been in Canadian arena in over a year.
• Play 60 minutes
  The Habs have to play their game for a full 60 and cannot try to sit back on a lead. The Leafs are too offensive to give them any space and letting off the gas at all is not a recipe for success.
• Score three goals
  The Habs are 10-0 when scoring three goals or more in a playoff game. A big part of this is Carey Price but it just goes to show that it only takes a few goals goes a long way for the Habs.

2020-21 Playoff statistics

• “The pressure, who’s going to be that guy to step up on that night. It’s when big moments are made, and people don’t forget those big moments. It’s just hockey, but it’s exciting. To have another chance to play another game, you’ve got to lay it on the line.”

Bottom Line