The Montreal Canadiens were looking to build on an almost perfect performance in game 2. The Philadelphia Flyers were looking for a bounce back after getting dominated on Friday. The first period started out with both teams getting early chances on net, but both Carey Price and Carter Hart were up to the task, standing tall between the pipes.
It was back and forth and it was a good pace, but it looked like both teams were playing tight and nervous hockey. Philadelphia responded early when Claude Giroux took a great wrist shot and Jakub Voracek managed to tip it past Price. This would give the Flyers a 1-0 in the opening frame.
Montreal got two penalties in the period, but the penalty kill unit was strong, killing both and it seems they have improved on their special teams play as well. The first period ended on that score as the two sides exited, both headed for the dressing rooms.
Montreal started the second frame hungry and looking for their first goal to tie the game up at one. The Habs were doing a great job at controlling the play and getting strong chances to score, but it was either a lack of finish or Carter Hart simply shutting the door.
The Flyers took three straight penalties, but the Canadiens power play couldn’t convert on either of them. Nick Suzuki had a great chance himself, but was robbed once again by the native of Alberta. Hart was having a huge bounce back game against Montreal.
Joel Armia took a late penalty in the second, but once again, the Canadiens penalty kill came up, this just strong enough to end the Flyers power play. Both teams were playing fast hockey and getting amazing chances at either end of the ice.
Once again, Carter Hart was playing amazing as he stoned Jonathan Drouin on another great scoring opportunity. The game’s middle frame concluded with Philadelphia still in the lead, 1-0.
Montreal, like prior periods, came out the faster team in the final period. The Habs continued attacking the net with their speed, but just couldn’t solve the Canadian sensation. They ended up taking back-to-back penalties, but Philadelphia’s power play struggled to score on the man advantage.
The Habs, at one point during the third, were outshooting the Flyers 7-1 while also looking like the hungrier team. As much as they fought and pushed, the night belonged to Carter Hart who managed to register his first postseason shutout. This comes after struggling on Friday in a 5-0 shutout where he allowed four goals.
The game finished 1-0 as the two sides prepare for their matinee on Tuesday. Puck drop is scheduled to take place at 3:00pmET at Scotiabank Arena. The game is available for viewing on Sportsnet Ontario, CBC and NBCSN, meanwhile, it can be heard via radio on TSN 690 and 98.5fm. It will also be carried in Canadiens region on TVA Sports to be watched in French.