The Habs played with desperation and earned a Game 6 win

On Wednesday night the Montreal Canadiens were in Tampa Bay for the fifth game of their first round series against the Lightning. With the series tied at two, each game has higher stakes. The result was a 3-2 regulation win for the Habs.

Here’s what I found worth noting.

The coach upped his gamesmanship.

Right before every game this season, Montreal’s social media team has posted the lines for the game. For the most part, in game adjustments excepted, the lines have stood. Since the morning skate we’ve known Kapanen would likely be scratched and Gallagher would play his first of the series. Then just before the game, as always, the Habs posted this.

We only had to wait for the opening faceoff to learn that post meant nothing. Evans took the draw flanked by Slafkovsky and Demidov. Anderson joined the top line, the Dach line was as advertised, and Newhook joined a line with Danault and Gallagher.

This game had more combinations than a high school locker room. Can’t say the coach isn’t trying to get them going.

Gallagher opened the scoring… of course he did.

Good call, Jared.

On his first shift of the series, there he was in the crease swiping a rebound home. Gally deserved that moment. He deserved the win.

The self-inflicted wounds continued for the D.

An ill-timed Guhle pinch left Hutson high and dry on the first Tampa goal. A terrible shot choice by Matheson left Carrier high and dry on the second.

It’s a game of mistakes, and in this one the Canadiens outscored theirs. But the veteran D have to be more aware in those situations.

The Dach line is delivering secondary scoring.

It’s a good thing they are, because the top six and the power play are ice cold.

That power move from Dach to drive the net was exactly what HuGo hoped they were getting when they made the trade. How big would it be if he could stay healthy and bring that with consistency?

The game winner came off Texier’s stick. What a pass from Lane Hutson, who has been the best player for Montreal so far in this series.

That’s six goals for the line since they were thrown together, and none against with them on the ice. Don’t touch that Marty.

Game 6 is on Friday and the Canadiens will have a chance to finish it. Go Habs Go!