Canadiens take 2-1 series lead

In Toronto, Jeff Petry‘s snipe at 5:33 of the third period gave the Montreal Canadiens a 4-3 lead that capped a three-goal outburst and drove the Habs to a win over the Pittsburgh Penguins on Wednesday.

Montreal leads the series 2-1.

“I don’t think we changed our game plan in any way,” Petry said. “I think it was more a matter of executing our system and we showed it in the later part of Game 1 and toward the end of Game 2. It was our focus to make sure we did it for a full game.”

Carey Price made 30 saves for the win.

“I would expect us to have a lot of urgency,” Penguins head coach Mike Sullivan said. “Your back’s against the wall. You’ve got to win. It’s win or go home. Our guys understand what’s at stake. We’ve been here before. We just have to make sure we bring our best game.”

Shea Weber had a goal and three points on the night.

“We were playing well 5-on-5. That just kept us competitive and guys battled hard, no matter what the situation was tonight,” Weber said. “And in the playoffs, that’s what you need. You need just to stay even keel, whether you’re up or down. I thought tonight was the best so far we’ve been in the series like that.”

Jonathan Drouin and Paul Byron also scored for the Canadiens.

“It’s important that we build some confidence here with our group,” Canadiens head coach Claude Julien said. “I think that’s what you’re seeing. I thought we had lots of confidence even when we took that lead [in the third period], we kept trying to play the game.”

After falling behind early, 1-0, the Pens reeled off three goals from Patric Hornqvist, Jason Zucker and Teddy Blueger.

“I think when you get to this situation, you have things throughout the year that prepare you for it,” the Pens’ Sidney Crosby said. “Adversity that you face and things like that. I think you draw on that. Ultimately, it’s just about going out there and focusing on one game.”

Game 4 in he series in Friday.

[WATCH: All Penguins vs. Canadiens highlights]

Matt Murray made 27 saves in the loss.

“I think we just kind of took our foot off the gas a little bit,” Blueger said. “Then momentum shifted. They were able to get those two goals. … Just kind of couldn’t find a way back, couldn’t find a way to climb back into it.

“Tough to pinpoint one thing. I think we just didn’t defend hard enough.”