Playoff Game #9 - at Montreal Canadiens

Playoff Game 9

Pittsburgh Penguins at Montreal Canadiens

Series tied 1-1

Why does it matter?
The Pens need to win one of the two games in Montreal. Winning the first one would be a good start.

What has been happening lately?

• Pens - They couldn't find a way to overcome a hot goalie on Sunday.
• Canadiens - Halak stole the game, plain and simple.

Questions to be answered

• Which power play will show up, the one that was 4-4 or the one that was 0-3?
• Which Halak will show up? This is probably the most important question of the series. If he's on his game, the Habs have a chance. If he isn't, they really have no chance.
• Can Sid and Geno carry the team if Halak is still hot?

Keys to the game

• Cover your own end vigorously. The Pens will get their shots on Halak, but they can't afford to allow goals like Gionta's tally on Sunday when Orpik didn't get the man or the puck.
• Don't lose faith. The ice was slanted on Sunday, but the team that carried the play didn't win. The Caps were singing the same song, but I think the Pens have a better team.
• Have Flower shut 'em out. Seriously - time for Fleury to step up and give the Habs a taste of their own medicine. He has the talent and we've seen it before.