As for Game 6 itself, it was no laughing matter for the Canadiens.
In the end, they were outclassed in almost every aspect of the game. Buffalo was superior in a number of key categories, including goals (8-3), shots (36-22), blocked shots (18-9) and face-offs won (34-22).
“I think we just let our foot off the gas for whatever reason,” defenseman Lane Hutson said. “It was a combination of no puck management, giving them too much space. But there shouldn’t be that much difference. We try to play the same game.”
Hutson said lessons learned from Game 7 versus Tampa Bay will be vital. Montreal won that game by overcoming the adversity of having gone 26:55 without a shot on goal before Alex Newhook scored the winner in the third period.
“We were fortunate to have the chance to play that game,” he said. “And we definitely expect more from us in this Game 7.
“The way we played in that one probably won’t advance us (this time) but we’re excited to show what we can do.”
In a weird quirk, both of these teams have found home ice to be more of a hindrance than an advantage. Consider that through these playoffs thus far, the Canadiens are 5-2 on the road, the Sabres 5-1.
“You know, it’s disappointing to have this effort on home ice,” Suzuki said. “And we can’t let that be our last game here. So we have to do everything we can to forget about it and be ready for Game 7.”
By that time, the shock of Game 6 should have worn off.
For the Canadiens sake, it had better.
