The Montreal Canadiens could have closed out their second-round series against the Buffalo Sabres in Game 6 at home. As a substitute, they’re about to play in a Game 7 on the road Monday night, as they got crushed by the visiting Sabres at Bell Centre in Montreal last Saturday to the tune of an 8-3 rating.
Playing a do-or-die game in enemy territory will not be a perfect scenario for the Canadiens, but one trend that plays of their favor on this huge Game 7 showdown at KeyBank Center in Buffalo is that the Habs haven’t lost two games in a row for quite a while.
During an appearance on the Pat McAfee Show, NHL analyst Erik Johnson identified the encouraging Canadiens trend while also referencing the Sabres’ struggles at home within the series.
“I believe once you’re a young team, like each of those teams are, there’s something to be said about being a little bit bit more anxious and a little bit bit more nervous about playing at home. And Montreal looked it to me. And on the flip side, Buffalo’s playing at home tonight. They stayed in a fricking hotel last night. That is how much they’re trying to find answers on home ice,” Johnson said.
“But for me, I do like Montreal tonight. Jakub Dobes is five and O with a ridiculous save percentage and goals against after a loss. And Montreal hasn’t lost two in a row in almost 30 games dating back to the regular season. So it is a team that is really sharp on the road. Buffalo, I do not know in the event that they can get it done at home. They have been bad at home, Johnson added.
The Canadiens have won two games on this Buffalo series at KeyBank Center and can look to get the last one in the identical venue to advance to the Eastern Conference finals.
The Montreal Canadiens could have closed out their second-round series against the Buffalo Sabres in Game 6 at home. As a substitute, they’re about to play in a Game 7 on the road Monday night, as they got crushed by the visiting Sabres at Bell Centre in Montreal last Saturday to the tune of an 8-3 rating.