After a recent optional practice, head coach Martin St-Louis expressed enthusiasm for his return to Montreal for the playoffs. He highlighted a sense of unity among the Canadiens and shared that his family is in town, adding to his excitement for the postseason. St-Louis remarked that coaching this team during playoff matches is an incredible feeling, recalling his experience from the previous year.
St-Louis Chooses Stability for Canadiens
Walking toward the Bell Centre, he noticed preparations underway, including several portable restrooms outside, signaling the readiness for the upcoming match.
Lane Hutson Shines in Recent Games
Lane Hutson, who scored a power-play goal and nearly added another in the closing seconds of a recent game against the Lightning, showcased his shooting skills. He recorded six shots, tying his personal best, and attempted ten shots over the course of the game. Hutson emphasized that scoring boosts his confidence with his shot and noted that he had more line opportunities than in his first game.
St-Louis praised Hutson, noting that top players excel by making smart reads and displaying consistency in their gameplay. They possess a variety of skills and a high-level hockey IQ, making them dangerous opponents.
Playoff Atmosphere at the Bell Centre
- Hutson leads the series in ice time with an average of 30:30 after two games, both of which went into overtime.
- The Tampa Bay Lightning experienced a glimpse of the playoff atmosphere in their last regular-season matchup but expect it to intensify during the series.
- Fans will create a vibrant atmosphere, with white towels lining the 20,000 seats in the Bell Centre.
Yanni Gourde, a Lightning forward, acknowledged the anticipated noise from Montreal fans, particularly as he might be a target for jeers. He expressed excitement about playing in such an electric environment, which he described as the ideal setting for playoff hockey.
Lightning’s Strong Away Record
The Lightning maintained a solid away record of 24-12-5 this season, a statistic that fuels their confidence. Head coach Jon Cooper downplayed potential pressure from the hostile crowd, emphasizing the team’s familiarity with challenging environments. He reassured that they are focused on playing against the Canadiens rather than the audience.
Both teams are preparing for a thrilling continuation of the series, with Montreal’s home-court advantage playing a crucial role.
