The Montreal Canadiens are returning to the Bell Centre with a 3-2 series lead after an incredible performance in Game 5 in Buffalo, after scoring four straight to win 6-3. It was an impressive performance where the Canadiens' depth was on full display as six different players scored a goal in Game 5.
When looking ahead to this game, these are three storylines for fans to keep in mind for the Montreal Canadiens.
Mr. Saturday Night making his playoff debut
Cole Caufield has earned the nickname Mr. Saturday Night, and for the first time in these playoffs, the Canadiens are playing on Saturday night. To make it even better, it will be in front of their fans at the Bell Centre.
Caufield had a slow start to the playoffs, but has been heating up at just the right moment as he now has a goal in three straight games. That includes the first even-strength goal of the playoffs in Game 5 against the Sabres.
The Canadiens have been able to get to this point from unexpected performances from players like Alex Newhook. However, if their top players, like Caufield, can play up to the level they did during the regular season, the Sabres are not going to stand much of a chance in this game.
Montreal Canadiens with another chance to win a series on home ice
For the second time in these playoffs, the Montreal Canadiens have a chance to clinch a series on home ice. The parallels to the Lightning series are eerily similar as the Canadiens went on the road for Game 5 with the series tied at two games apiece, and would end up winning that game on the road, and can clinch in Game 6.
Unfortunately, in the Lightning series, the Canadiens might have played their best game of the playoffs, but couldn't score. In fact, the two teams would go into overtime with neither team being able to score until Tampa Bay scored in the extra period.
While the Canadiens would end up winning Game 7 against the Lightning, they would almost certainly love to clinch the series in front of their fans.
Can the Montreal Canadiens score first?
One of the notable themes through this series has been the Buffalo Sabres ability to score the first goal. In fact, they have scored first in five of the six games in this series.
The good news for the Canadiens is that they usually answer quickly after that, and only one time, back in Game 1, did the Sabres have a lead going into the second period. In every other game, the Canadiens either had the lead or the game was tied.
While the Canadiens may not be as desperate as the Sabres entering this game, they need to play with plenty of urgency, as the last thing they want to do is go back to Buffalo in a must-win Game 7.
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