Preview: Canadiens at Lightning
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[May 12, 2015]
Only four teams in NHL history have
blown a 3-0 lead and gone on to lose a seven-game series, and the Tampa
Bay Lightning are attempting to avoid being the fifth as they prepare to
host the Montreal Canadiens on Wednesday for Game 6 of their Eastern
Conference semifinal matchup. The Lightning have failed on two chances
to close out the Canadiens, getting blown out at home 6-2 in Game 4
before dropping a 2-1 decision in Montreal on Saturday.
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"Right now, there's no Game 7 in our plans," Tampa Bay coach Jon
Cooper said. "We want to knock this team out in Game 6 at home." The
Canadiens halted an eight-game losing streak to the Lightning with
the Game 4 romp, a much-needed offensive eruption after scoring only
12 times versus Tampa Bay in the previous eight meetings. "For sure,
there is more pressure on them," Montreal coach Michel Therrien
said. "We've been there. And the longer it goes, the more they will
feel that pressure."
TV: 7:30 p.m. ET, NBCSN, CBC, TVA
ABOUT THE CANADIENS: Forwards Devante Smith-Pelly and PA Parenteau
each scored their first goals of the posteason - the latter notching
the deciding tally with just over four minutes to play in the third
period of Game 5 to bring the series back to Tampa Bay. It was a
huge goal for myself, for the team, for everyone who watches the
Canadiens. It pretty much saved the season, Parenteau said. "It was
a great moment, but we know we only have half the job done. This
marks the first time in the Canadiens' proud history they have
forced a Game 6 after trailing a postseason series 3-0.
ABOUT THE LIGHTNING: One positive in Saturday's loss was a goal by
captain Steven Stamkos - just his second of the postseason after he
failed to register a shot in either of the previous two contests.
"For whatever reason, we haven't gotten angry until now. But it's
time," said forward Tyler Johnson, who leads all scorers with eight
goals this postseason. "We have to have fire. Montreal has a lot of
guys with that fire right now. Game 5, I thought we played a little
bit better; it was something that we wanted." The Lightning did not
have a power-play opportunity in Game 5 after going 5-for-14 in the
previous three contests.
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OVERTIME
1. The Canadiens have dominated play the last three games, with a
100-68 advantage in shots on goal.
2. Lightning G Ben Bishop has not lost three straight starts since
Dec. 6-13.
3. Canadiens G Carey Price has permitted five goals in the last
three games after being torched for 16 in five regular-season
matchups.
PREDICTION: Canadiens 3, Lightning 2
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