2011 NHL Playoffs: Montreal Canadiens-Boston Bruins Analysis After Game 5

The Montreal Canadiens just couldn't put the finishing touches on one of the best playoff games that I've seen this postseason.

If people anticipated a goaltending battle, they finally got it. Tim Thomas and Carey Price combined for 93 saves in the game, but Nathan Horton cashed in on a rebound in double overtime giving the Bruins a 2-1 victory.

The Canadiens, who were very much in the driver's seat after the first two games played, have their backs up against the wall heading into Game 6.

Price did all that he could to keep his team in the game. He really buckled down and performed to the best of his ability, but you have to wonder if it will mean anything come Tuesday.

The Habs looked like a beaten team after they put together a very solid road game. They have to be thinking about blown opportunities, not only in this game, but in the series in general

Brian Gionta missed a golden opportunity on a two-on-one in the final period. Thomas came up huge on the save, but Gionta could have taken a bit more time on his shot.

Hindsight is 20-20; the Bs won and the Habs need to swallow their pride, suck it up and prepare for the nest game.

The Canadiens' leadership will need to be the biggest factor if they wish to win. The team must regroup and the veterans will have to be a calming influence.

The team has to be thankful that they are playing a seven-game series. They'll have to concentrate on the task at hand, much like the Bruins did: they need to play one game at a time.

The Bruins are going to be hungry in looking to close out the series at the Bell Centre. They've put together the most important three-game winning streak of the season and should be proud of their resilience.

It is often said that the fourth game is the hardest to win.

If Game 5 is any indication of how tough it is, Game 6 should be a dandy.