Since Montreal’s game 1 win against Leafs, the series took a big U-turn for the worst, going down 3-1 and heading into a crucial game 6, and the future of the Montreal Canadiens were on full display. Jesperi Kotkaniemi, Cole Caufield and Nick Suzuki all contributed to the Habs huge 4-3 overtime win over the Maple Leafs. Joel Armia also played his best hockey of the playoffs so far, with 2 goals and brought the physicality big time. Now, the series shifts back to Montreal, where fans will be allowed inside the Bell Centre for the first time since last March. 2,500 fans will be permitted for game 6. Obviously, it’s not 21,273 fans, but it’s great nonetheless, the Bell Centre will be rocking for sure. Here are 3 things to expect for in game 6.
- The Intensity will bring out a lot of emotion!
Game 5 was probably the first time both teams played with intensity and energy and we only got a glimpse of it. Game 6 should show us even more of what’s to come in an all out war, whether it’s the Leafs taking game 6 and moving on to face the Winnipeg Jets, or Montreal forcing a game 7 and then it’s anyone’s game to win!
2. The top players from both teams won’t go quietly
Tyler Toffoli has not scored so far after putting 28 goals in the regular season. It’s been a struggle for him to find space in this series. He has to start taking the puck to the net and get Jack Campbell guessing in the crease. The young players showed up in game 5, and I believe he will come to play in game 6. For Toronto, William Nylander by far has been their best and most consistent player, putting up 7 points in 5 games. Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner have only combined for 1 goal so far. Carey Price has shut the door on them since Matthews scored in game 2. Expect them to bring the heat in game 6.
3. Goaltending will make it a low scoring game
Yes, I expect everyone from both teams to bring their A game, but goaltending will now be counted on even more. Carey Price has played otherworldly, which is to no one’s surprise, but Jack Campbell has certainly held his own pretty good for his first playoff bout in his career. Montreal need to keep playing with pace, not stay back and relying on Price, they’re not going to win with that. He’s going to do his job, the players in front of him need to make sure they are doing theirs. Toronto will ramp up the intensity, and try to crowd Price as much as possible to get those scoring chances.
Whatever the case may be, game 6 is going bring everything and then some. Intensity, emotion, physicality, perhaps unlikely heroes. Maybe the Habs defence can chip in some offence, maybe Matthews and Marner get one past Price? Who knows, but another thing to consider: Expect the unexpected!
JV Sports Blog 