Montreal Canadiens Stage Comeback, Penguins Facing Elimination

The Montreal Canadiens scored three unanswered goals, completing their comeback against the Pittsburgh Penguins to take a 2-1 series lead.

Montreal Canadiens head coach Claude Julien also made some minor changes to his lineup prior to the game. The fourth line was now made up of Dale Weise, Max Domi and Jake Evans who would play in his first game this series.

First Period

Shea Weber scores his first goal of the series to open the scoring. Assisted by Artturi Lehkonen and Paul Byron. The play was reviewed for goaltender interference but was deemed a goal, giving the Montreal Canadiens a powerplay to go with their 1-0 lead. Aside from a nice setup to Nick Suzuki, the Canadiens did not capitalize. Patric Hornqvist tied the score 1-1 at the 11:20 on the man advantage. Evgeni Malkin and Sidney Crosby picked up the assists. The Montreal Canadiens had also taken another penalty on this play that would be served by Shea Weber. Jason Zucker (unassisted) capitalized on the Pittsburgh Penguins second man advantage to give his team a 2-1 lead.

Second Period

The Montreal Canadiens began the second period with a power play that carried over from the first but were unable to even the scoring just yet. Teddy Blueger (unassisted) extended the Pittsburgh Penguins lead by 3-1. The Montreal Canadiens were able to bring the Penguins lead down to one with a goal by Jonathan Drouin. His first playoff goal with the team. Ben Chiarot got an assist alongside Shea Weber who got his second point of the night. Jake Evans took a big hit from Brandon Tanev of the Pittsburgh Penguins. He went face first, cuttiinto the boards and began to bleed and then assistance to get off the ice.

Evans would not return to the game. The Montreal Canadiens tied up the game at 3-3 with a wraparound goal from Paul Byron. Nick Suzuki and Shea Weber got the assists. This was Shea Weber’s third point of the night. This was a career high for Weber in a single game during the playoffs.

Third Period

Jeff Petry demonstrated precision accuracy on a top-corner shot to give the Montreal Canadiens their first lead since the start of the game. Phillip Danault assisted while Ben Chiarot also recorded his second point of the game. By their third goal, the Montreal Canadiens had all the momentum going their way with the Pittsburgh Penguins unable to respond. The Montreal Canadiens had crucial penalty ahead of them as Paul Byron served two in the box. Fortunately, they were able to give it their all to maintain the one goal lead and take the series lead.

Looking Ahead to Game 4

The Montreal Canadiens will have a chance to win their play-in series against the Pittsburgh Penguins in their next meeting. If their performance in game 4 is any indication of how they will play, the Canadiens may find their way into the first round of the playoffs. Haven’t said that in a while, have we?

The Montreal Canadiens will be looking to book their ticket to the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs on Friday at 4:00pm ET. It will be viewable on Sportsnet East. It can also be viewed in French on TVA Sports and on the radio on TSN 690.