The Montreal Canadiens will look to take the series lead against the Buffalo Sabres on Sunday after splitting the opening two games of the series on the road, as the second-round matchup shifts to Montreal for Game 3 with the series tied 1-1 and fans in the city ready for the next chapter.
Montreal responded to a 4-2 loss in Game 1 with a 5-1 victory Friday night in Buffalo to even the series heading into its first home game of the round.
Fans are being encouraged to be in their seats by 6:50 p.m. to take in the pregame show as playoff hockey returns to the Bell Centre.
Commemorative playoff rally towels will be placed on every seat in the arena, while the Canadiens’ official outdoor watch party on Avenue des Canadiens-de-Montréal opens at 5 p.m. on a first-come, first-served basis.
A third screen has been added for Round 2 to accommodate demand for the free viewing event outside the arena.
The team’s Fan Jam pregame event will also take place outside the Bell Centre from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., featuring live broadcasts, food and beverage stations, merchandise sales and fan activities.
Montreal has yet to record back-to-back wins during the playoffs, something the club will try to change Sunday night.
The Canadiens have continued to rely on strong five-on-five play throughout the postseason, allowing 12 goals at even strength through nine playoff games.
Generating offence at home will also be an area of focus after Montreal scored five goals in three home games during its first-round series against Tampa Bay.
Forward Alex Newhook stayed hot offensively in Game 2 with two goals for Montreal.
Buffalo has also received strong production from forwards Zach Benson and Josh Doan, with Doan entering Game 3 with six points in his last five games.
The Canadiens and Sabres split their four regular-season meetings before opening the playoff series with one win each in Buffalo.
Puck drop is set for 7 p.m. on Sportsnet.
