Montreal Canadiens predictions and key ideas ahead of Game 6

Teddy Elliot: It’s crunch time for the Habs right now in more ways than one. They will miss their spark plug in Brendan Gallagher and are left to decide who takes his spot. None of the options are good, which isn’t a knock on Jordan Weal, Dale Weise, or Ryan Poehling, but neither inspires confidence. Look for Coach Kirk playing it safe and going with either Weal or Weise.

If the Habs manage to get into the Flyers’ heads early, they have a chance of taking this series to Game 7. The Flyers, however, are going to come into this firing on all cylinders and are facing way more pressure to win this series.

Omar White: The Montreal Canadiens established themselves this season as a team that doesn’t quit regardless of the circumstances. If they lose, they’re going to fall trying to ensure it’s not the easiest win you’ve ever had. Take that quality and bring it to a playoff atmosphere, and it’s cranked up to the tenth degree.

As always, the game is going to come down to how many big saves Price can make. The Flyers have played their best hockey when they can get a first-period lead and then collapse into their defensive structure and wait for the opposition to make a mistake to which they capitalize on. The goaltending angle applies to the Philadelphia Flyers as well. If Carter Hart gives up those kinds of goals again, the Habs stand a chance of relentlessly pushing as the team’s resolve falters.

It’ll also come up to the young guys, and whether they can continue, they’re impressive play. Nick Suzuki and Jesperi Kotkaniemi have taken another step in their development and importance to the organization. They drive the offence on the Habs, and the team will need another showing for them. I would also be remiss if I didn’t give a shoutout to Jonathan Drouin, who has quietly been stacking up points and doing his part.

I’ve been having these conversations with others, and the Canadiens should expect another rough game. Aside from the Travis Sanheim incident and the post-game brawl, Suzuki patting Hart on the head could be a driving force. That sounds ridiculous, but the Flyers are a team who despises “cheeky” things being doing against them. And with the hate between them already burning hot, who knows what will happen.