Canadiens Return Home for Game 3 Tied 1-1 in East Final

The Montreal Canadiens will return to the Bell Centre on Monday for Game 3 of the Eastern Conference final against the Carolina Hurricanes, aiming to improve a playoff home record that has lagged behind their strong performances on the road. The best-of-seven series is tied at one game apiece after Carolina earned a 3-2 overtime victory on Saturday at Lenovo Center in Raleigh.

Montreal has gone 7-3 on the road this postseason but owns a 2-4 mark through six home dates, a disparity that has been a focus ahead of the series shifting north. The Canadiens’ most recent game at the Bell Centre was an 8-3 loss to the Buffalo Sabres in Game 6 of the second round on May 16, a game in which they led 3-1 before Buffalo scored seven straight goals to force a decisive Game 7. Montreal won that game in overtime on the road to advance.

“It was a tough one last time we played there,” said Canadiens captain Nick Suzuki. “Can’t wait to get back in front of our fans. I know they’re definitely amped up to see us.”

Suzuki added that the team remains confident. “Still really confident in what we can do and excited to get back home. We’re in a good spot.”

Winger Josh Anderson, who scored both Montreal...