A Look Back

It was another tight checking game that saw the Habs score the first goal but it would be their last of the night. Vegas came from behind and won in overtime. Robin Lehner played well but the talk of the night was a poorly officiated game once again. The NHL should be embarrassed with the performance by the referees as the outcome of playoff hockey shouldn’t be affected by the officials.

Last game: MTL 1  VGK 2 (OT) | Series tied 2-2

For a complete game recap: Golden Knights @ Canadiens: Fail to Finish | HABS GAME 4 RECAP

Players to Watch

• Brendan Gallagher
  Habs need a spark going into Vegas and Gallagher needs to be the one to deliver it. Gallagher has no points so far in the series. Gallagher knows he has to make an impact and is running out of time to do it.
• Cole Caufield
  Caufield had a breakaway chance to double the Habs lead but telegraphed his move and was stopped. Caufield made a defensive mistake that led to the tying goal. He is learning every game, but needs to do what he does best, being a threat every shift.
• Carey Price 
  The Knights will have a ton of momentum and the Habs will need their best player. Price has been sensational throughout the playoffs carrying his team and stealing games. His teammates must do their part by providing goal support.

Keys to Victory

• Maintain focus
  It would be understandable if the Canadiens lost their focus due to inept officiating. It is something they can’t control and will only be a distraction away from playing their game.
• Capitalize on chances
  The Habs need to capitalize on a good start to the game and not let the Vegas netminder get comfortable. Getting a lead, especially in the first period, is key.
• Be defensively responsible
  Both goals scored by Vegas in game 4 came on blown coverage. Each player needs to pay attention to small details to shut down the Golden Knights.

2020-21 Playoff statistics

• “Our guys are feeling very confident right now. It’s a credit to our leadership group, which is led by Shea Weber. He brings stability, not just on the ice, but how he composes himself and how he talks on the bench, in between periods and after games. Guys like Corey Perry and Eric Staal have been big additions to our team this year. I think everybody’s feeling confident, everybody knows their role, and they’re playing exceptionally well. That’s going to continue, whether we’re in the lead, whether we’re behind, tied, in overtime, or at the start of the game. We want to keep that same mindset.”

Bottom Line