In Toronto, Nick Suzuki‘s third period goal put the Montreal Canadiens up 4-3 over the Philadelphia Flyers.
Carey Price, who made 26 saves, made that goal stand up as the Habs took Game 5, 5-3, to avoid elimination.
“This was a character win with our group,” Canadiens associate coach Kirk Muller said. “I thought it started right from the first shift tonight with [Phillip Danault’s] line and the intensity that [Brendan Gallagher] brought. I think that was our response from losing the last game (2-0 on Tuesday). They got ready to go and they set the tone that first shift.”
They trail in the series 3-2.
After falling behind by a goal, Jakub Voracek struck two power-play goals to give the Flyers a lead.
“Their season’s on the line, so you know that they’re going to bring their best,” the Flyers ‘Matt Niskanen said. “I think we were half a step slow killing plays, so they were able to connect on a few passes and get some looks in the slot and convert on a couple.”
They were the first power play goals of the series for the Flyers.
“We were just connecting on those plays,” Voracek said. “Those goals, those passes … in the past games I don’t think we were patient enough and always out of position for the pass. Today we were clicking well, the communication was good. That was the reason we scored those goals.”
The two exchanged leads through the game and the Flyers had tied the game in the third period opn a goal from Joel Farabee.
Suzuki put the Habs ahead for good 22 seconds after the Flyers tied it up midway through the final frame.
Joel Armia scored twice for the Canadiens.
“I think the whole team played great,” Armia said. “We gave everything we’ve got every shift and just kind of focused on playing simple and shooting the puck. I don’t think there’s any magic tricks, just keeping it simple.”
Brendan Gallagher also scored for the Habs when he gave them a 3-2 lead.
“The thing I really liked was our response,” Muller said. “Philly scored a couple goals and we came back, they score late in the game and [Suzuki] scores the very next shift. I don’t think we allowed them to get some momentum because of the goals we were able to score.”
Phillip Danault’ added an empty net goal to seal the win.
[WATCH: All Canadiens vs. Flyers Game 5 highlights]
Carter Hart made 28 saves in the loss.
“He was playing extremely well,” Flyers coach Alain Vigneault said. “Tonight there might be one or two he might want to have back. At the end of the day, we have a lot of faith in him. He’s played extremely well for us. He’ll be fine next game.”
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