Looking back at the Canadiens-Penguins playoff matchups

MONTREAL - The Canadiens have crossed paths with the Penguins only twice in the NHL playoffs over the years.

And Montreal has the advantage for now.

While we await the third duel between the two teams - albeit in a qualifying round series to earn a playoff berth - here's a look back at their previous postseason encounters.

1998 Eastern Conference Quarterfinals

The Penguins were the favorite heading into the series. Kevin Constantine's squad finished second in the Eastern Conference. For their part, the Canadiens, who were then coached by Alain Vigneault, completed the regular season in seventh spot with a record of 37-32-13.

The first game was played at Pittsburgh's Civic Arena. Forward Benoit Brunet spoiled the Penguins' party by scoring the winning goal in overtime to secure a 3-2 victory.

Pittsburgh offered up a solid performance in the second matchup, though, posting a 4-1 win.

When the series shifted to Montreal, forward Shayne Corson scored a pair of goals in a 3-1 win to give the Canadiens a 2-1 series lead.

Vigneault's group fell 6-3 in Game 4, however. Penguins sniper Jaromir Jagr led the charge with two goals and one assist.

Back in Pittsburgh for Game 5, forward Mark Recchi offered up a standout performance for the Canadiens. He scored twice and added an assist to lead Montreal to a 5-2 victory.

Facing elimination in Game 6, Constantine's squad couldn't solve goaltender Andy Moog, falling 3-0. Moog made 21 saves to register the shutout. Saku Koivu scored a goal and collected a helper, too.

That's how the Canadiens advanced to the next round, eliminating Pittsburgh in six games.

It was Recchi who led the way offensively with three goals and eight points in the series. The former Hab will be on the other side of things during the upcoming qualifying round best-of-five series, however, since he's currently an assistant coach with the Pennsylvania-based franchise.

Moog, meanwhile, was splendid in between the pipes. He turned aside 134 of 147 shots against for a .912 save percentage.

2010 Eastern Conference Semifinals

During the 2010 playoffs, the Canadiens earned the final playoff spot. As a result, Jacques Martin's club went up against the top team in the Eastern Conference, the Washington Capitals, in Round 1.

Everyone remembers that Montreal ended up winning the series in seven games.

Up next was a date with the Penguins in the second round. Dan Bylsma's squad finished fourth in the Eastern Conference with a record of 47-28-7.

Pittsburgh secured an easy 6-3 victory in Game 1 at Mellon Arena.

The Canadiens evened things up in Game 2, though, posting a 3-1 win. Mike Cammalleri scored twice, while goaltender Jaroslav Halak made 38 saves.

Unfortunately, the Canadiens were blanked 2-0 in Game 3 when the series shifted to the Bell Centre.

In Game 4, captain Brian Gionta scored the game-winner in the third period to even the series up again.

Back in Pittsburgh, goaltender Marc-André Fleury delivered a 32-save performance to give the Penguins a 2-1 victory.

With the Canadiens facing elimination in Game 6, Cammalleri scored two goals and Maxim Lapierre scored the game-winning goal in the final frame in a 4-3 victory.

Montreal ultimately triumphed in Game 7 with a decisive 5-2 win. Gionta scored twice, while Halak made 37 saves.

Cammalleri led the team with seven goals and one assist in the series. He scored in five of the seven games against the Penguins.

For his part, Gionta finished the series with five goals and eight points.

As for Halak, he turned aside 203 of 219 shots against for a sparkling .927 save percentage.

The Canadiens were eventually eliminated by the Philadelphia Flyers in the Eastern Conference Finals, falling in five games.