The Canadiens shut down the Bell Centre

Indeed, with a 2-4 record at the Bell Centre since the start of the playoffs, it's clear that the Canadiens' home arena isn't as much of a fortress for opposing teams as we might think.

The atmosphere is absolutely electric, and the fans are furious, but the team on the ice itself really needs to step up for the Bell Centre to be a true advantage.

Because so far in the playoffs, the Habs have made their home arena a rather harmless place—or at least, a factor with very little impact.

That's not normal given all the support and intensity in the arena, and it could spell the end for the Montreal Canadiens.

The Habs were leading 3-1 at home in a Game 6 that could have sent the team to the Stanley Cup Final, and they failed to contain their opponent; even worse, they gave up seven unanswered goals.

The Sabres didn't look intimidated at all last night, and it's clear that playing on the road has worked in their favor since the start of the series, as they're 5-1 on the road.

In fact, much like the Lightning, the Sabres will likely try to recreate a road game atmosphere for the next 48 hours leading up to Game 7.

Buffalo wants to stack the odds in its favor to win this crucial Game 7, while Lindy Ruff is even strongly considering giving his players another day off—and thus not holding practice.

It worked for Game 6, so they're trying the same approach.

In short, we're in for another do-or-die Game 7, this time Monday at 7:30 p.m. in Buffalo.

The Habs excel on the road with a 5-2 record, so we can believe in them and think the Habs will find the necessary means to clinch the series.

That will clearly require a Jakub Dobes playing with full confidence.

In a Nutshell

– Exactly.

– Note to self.

– Interesting.