Montreal Canadiens Push for Game 6 in Thrilling 5-3 Win
Joel Armia scored twice as the Montreal Canadiens fought for their lives in a 5-3 win over the Philadelphia Flyers to push for a Game 6.
It was a go big or go home kind of night for the Montreal Canadiens. After two straight shutouts, the Canadiens fell 3-1 in their series against the Philadelphia Flyers, putting them on the brink of elimination. It was a hard-fought battle, but they managed to stay in the series for at least another game.
The Crucial First Goal
It wasn’t long after the national anthems that the Montreal Canadiens were fighting for their lives. Although they took an early penalty, notched a short-handed goal straight down the middle of Carter Hart to put the Canadiens up 1-0. Joël Armia continued to have a strong period after struggling in Games 3 and 4.
The first goal has been of great importance in this series. In each of the five games played, the team that got on the board first would also go on to win the game. The hope for Montreal would be that this holds true. Fortunately for them, it did.
Brendan Gallagher showed heightened aggression that had been missing throughout the series and looked more like himself as the period progressed. The forward showed visible frustration whilst taking questions from the media as he continued to deal with a scoring drought and being benched by Kirk Muller in the third period. If Gallagher was looking to get back to his regular ice time, he was off to a good start.
Kotkaniemi’s Misconduct and End to End Hockey
The second period of play was by far some of the most eventful hockey we have seen from these two teams at the same time. Throughout the series, it was either the Montreal Canadiens or Philadelphia Flyers completely controlling the pace.
Montreal Canadiens forward Jesperi Kotkaniemi was handed a five-minute major and a game misconduct for a boarding call on Philadelphia Flyers defenceman Travis Sanheim. Depending on the outlets the game was being viewed or heard on, there were differing opinions regarding whether or not the referees made the right call on the play—more on this following the period summary.
On the 5 minute man-advantaged, the Philadelphia Flyers managed to get two on the board. Jakub Voracek scored both goals to give the Flyers a 2-1 lead over the Canadiens. Claude Giroux assisted on both goals while Ivan Provorov assisted on the first while Sean Couturier assisted on the second.
The excitement did not stop there as Joël Armia tied up the game for the Canadiens on his second goal of the night. Brett Kulak had the sole assists. Brendan Gallagher quickly followed to finally break his goal-scoring drought. Gallagher’s goal was also his 37th shot on goal for first in the NHL but had nothing to show for it stat-wise up until this point.
Was it Right to Eject Jesperi Kotkaniemi?
As previously mentioned, depending on the outlet, there were differing opinions regarding how the Kotkaniemi situation was assessed. However, if one should wonder why he was inevitably ejected from the game, look no further than Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman.
Per rule 41.5 regarding game misconducts, “when a major penalty is imposed under this rule for a foul resulting in an injury to the face or head of an opponent, a game misconduct shall be imposed.”
Following the hit, Travis Sanheim did have a bloody wound that required attention at the bench, which falls under the “injury to the face or head of an opponent” aspect of the rule. Another important aspect to consider was that Kotkaniemi’s hit was 5-minute major material. Both feet were off this ice, and Travis Sanheim had his back turned towards him, though for how long is a topic of discussion.
Whether or not the major penalty was the right call or not, since it was made, the misconduct was inevitable due to the NHL’s guidelines.
Tensions Rise and Canadiens Stave off Elimination
Joel Farabee scored to tie up the game once for the Philadelphia Flyers on his third goal of the playoffs. Jakub Voracek (3 point night) and Sean Couturier assisted on the play. This could have been avoided, but the Canadiens lacked discipline and could not stay out of the box at this point in the game.
Nick Suzuki responded just 12 seconds after the tying goal to take back the lead on a sport behind-the-net pass by Jonathan Drouin to throw off Carter Hart’s puck tracking.
Tensions were mounting between the Montreal Canadiens and Philadelphia Flyers, and none other than Brendan Gallagher had no issue initiating it, and it did not matter from where. After drawing a penalty on Jakub Voracek, Gallagher’s instigating was on full display both on and off the ice, visibly irritating the Flyers. Goal-scoring aside, this is an aspect of Gallagher’s game that was also lacking, and it would not be surprising to find out if he was dealing with any injuries by the end of the series.
Late into the third, the Philadelphia Flyers later pulled Carter Hart to get the extra man out on the ice too, but Montreal Canadiens forward Philip Danault got the empty-net goal. A late scrum also ensued between Artturi Lehkonen and Sean Couturier, which led to a pile-up of players. Safe to say neither team is fond of the other.
Final Score: Montreal Canadiens (5) – Philadelphia Flyers (3)
Moving Forward
It was a gutsy performance by the Montreal Canadiens and one that many are curious as to whether or not they can pull off again. The goal-scoring was present, but the Canadiens will need to ensure that it does not dissipate as they look to push for a Game 7. That same sense of urgency they showed in Game 5 will need to play a huge factor, and their best players will be heavily relied on.
Next. Nothing for Muller to apologize for. dark
The Montreal Canadiens and Philadelphia Flyers will play Game 6 of their series on Friday at 8:00pm ET. The game may be viewed on Sportsnet East, NBCSN and the NHL Network. It can also be viewed in French on TVA Sports and heard in English on TSN 690.