Montreal Canadiens: 3 Keys To Victory over Toronto Maple Leafs
Play 5 on 5
In order to win tonight, the single biggest thing the Habs need to do is stay out of the penalty box. They can compete with, and even outplay, this Maple Leafs team for long stretches when they have five skaters on the ice.
Yes, Matthews and Marner are dangerous at 5 on 5, but the other top players on the Leafs rely on the power play to get half their points. If the Habs stay out of the penalty box, it will be a lot easier to neutralize Morgan Rielly, Tavares and Nylander.
Jason Spezza is third on the Maple Leafs in even strength goals and he has three of them. Just don’t take penalties.
In three games this season, the Leafs have outscored the Habs 10-8. At 5 on 5, the Canadiens have outscored the Maple Leafs 6-4. It’s the Leafs pair of goals while playing at 4 on 4 and overtime goal at 3 on 3 that have been the difference in their two wins this season.
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It is easy to say, but the Habs just need to keep five skaters on the ice and they can be the better team tonight.