Canadiens vs. Senators: Game Three — Thread, lines, & tale of the tape

In his ancient military treatise "The Art of War", master war strategist and general Sun Tzu wrote what he believed to be the keys to victory for any war. Written in verses, the guidance offered in the pages of this text is uncomplicated, as the act of warfare is never meant to be complicated for any general commanding his troops.

"If [the enemy] is angry, disconcert him. If he is weak, strike him with pride"

Tonight the Montreal Canadiens face an Ottawa Senators' troop that is down 2-0 in a best of 7 series, 2 games away from elimination, but holding the advantage of "the ground" as the series moves to the Senators' home rink where they are 23-13-5 and haven't lost in 3 home games. After an emotional week in Montreal, the Senators have changed their lineup, with Andrew Hammond being replaced between the pipes by Craig Anderson, and Chris Neil being injected in the lineup. It seems as though the Habs have been able to stir the pot that is the Ottawa Senators' psyche.

"In War victory should be swift. If victory is slow, men tire, morale sags. Sieges exhaust strength."

The roster moves made by the Senators are a tactic to disconcert the competitive atmosphere that has been slightly won by the Canadiens to this point, as although being up the series 2-0, the Habs won both games by the slimmest of margins.

The Canadiens have the opportunity to go up 3-0 in this series, or fall back in the potentially exhaustive situation of allowing the Sens back in the series. The Canadiens outshot the Senators 42-31 on Friday, and the advantage in possession with a 58.39 CF%. Overall, the Habs have the edge in the series, outshooting the Senators 81-64 and a very slight edge in possession, getting a small advantage in shot attempts at 53.64 CF%.

"Follow the advantage and master the opportunity."

The puck drops at 7:00PM EST. No line-up changes for the Habs. As mentioned, the Sens will be throwing Chris Neil in the line-up, with Alex Chiasson coming out, and will be starting Craig Anderson in net. Anderson's last game was a loss on March 29 against the Panthers in which he allowed 3 goals. The day before, Anderson lost in overtime to the Maple Leafs, and is winless in his last three starts, having only started 4 games since coming back from a hand injury on March 8 (1-2-1).

Scratched: Mike Weaver, Manny Malholtra,  Sergei Gonchar, Greg Pateryn, P.A. Parenteau
Injuries: None

Scratched: Zach Smith, Colin Greening, Jared Cowen, Alex Chiasson
Injuries: Robin Lehner (concussion), Chris Phillips (undisclosed), Matt Puempel (lower-body)

Check out the enemy over at Silver Seven.

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