Brendan Gallagher reached the 50-point mark, Antti Niemi was a rebound machine, and the penalty kill gave up goal after goal.

For a complete recap: Pens Power-play Buries Habs

Players to watch

• Jonathan Drouin
  Drouin showed last night while he needs to shoot more often but was also dismal at the faceoff dot going 2-for-17 or a paltry 12 per cent.
• Taylor Hall
  Hall has my vote this year for the Hart trophy, showing why he was drafted first overall and is almost single-handedly powering the Devils into a playoff spot.
• Kerby Rychel
  Rychel is expected in the Habs lineup following his recall from Laval. Rychel likes to shoot the puck but is not the fleetest of foot.

Keys to Victory

• Kill a penalty
  This is one area of the Canadiens difficulties where personnel is not the issue despite what Claude Julien says.
• Defend the paint
  Price having to stand up for himself against the Devils will never be forgotten. Canadiens should ensure that no opposition player crashes the net tonight.
• Shoot the puck
  The Habs need to get pucks on the Devils goaltender to create opportunities for rebounds.

2017-18 statistics

The Devils are hanging on to the final playoff spot with the Panthers hot in pursuit. New Jersey will forecheck hard. The Habs will play a more open game, looking for a stretch pass or two. With Price in the net all eyes will be on him to steal a game and give the Devils playoff chances some troubles.

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