A Look Back

It was one of the best games the Habs have played in the playoffs which featured a 60-minute effort. The mixture of young guns and veterans were working together effectively. Vegas came out strong but the Habs shut the door early then capitalized on their chances. Vegas was frustrated all game as the Habs game plan was working.

Last game: MTL 4  VGK 1 | Canadiens lead series 3-2

For a complete game recap: Canadiens @ Golden Knights: Price, Suzuki Lead Habs | GAME 5 RECAP

Players to Watch

• Jesperi Kotkaniemi
  Kotkaniemi proved his value by putting in one his his best efforts in game five. When he’s on, there’s no second guessing in his game and his impact is felt in all zones of the ice. The Habs need that type of game from Kotkaniemi on a nightly basis.
• Phillip Danault
  Danault continues to struggle offensively and at the faceoff dot while shorthanded. While he is being credited for his checking role, Danault needs to chip in offensively particularly since he is Montreal’s most used forward in the playoffs.
• Ben Chiarot 
  Chiarot has been one of the unsung heros for the Habs. His play isn’t pretty, but he has been the most physical of all the Habs defencemen. Chairot has played the most minutes (with Shea Weber a very close second), blocked more shots and is second on the team in hits.

Keys to Victory

• Get to the blue paint
  Attacking the net early and often will be key. Getting under Robin Lehner’s skin taking their focus off the game is exactly what the Habs need to do.
• Maintain composure
  It will be impossible to match the desperation Vegas will have but if the Habs can keep their composure it will be key to countering it. The Habs were very disciplined last game and they will need to do that again especially when Vegas comes out strong.
• Limit turnovers
  It has been shocking that the Habs have been winning the turnover game, with it being a big part of how they are playing right now. Continuous pressure on the puck carrier has resulted in turnovers springing the Habs the other way where they can do  damage.

2020-21 Playoff statistics

• “It’s never easy to close out a series. There’s obviously going to be the most desperation that you’re going to face from the other team. We’ve gone through that, and it hasn’t been easy. The other teams push right to the end. That’s what you expect. We would do the same if we were down. We did that in the first series when we were down. All those lessons along the way are just adding to our experience, especially for our younger players. The older players that have been through it before, they know how tough it is, so they’re helping to guide those young guys through it. We’re hopefully getting stronger in that area and it’ll show tonight.”

Bottom Line