Short on Defence | PREVIEW: MTL @ NSH

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Rick Stephens
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GAME DAY PREVIEW | Montreal Canadiens vs Nashville Predators: Preview, TV, Start Time, Statistical Match-up, Projected Lines, Starting Goalies, Keys to Victory, Habs Tickets

Game Preview (with contributions from Cole Jurzyniec)

A Look Back

It was the second half of a back-to-back for the Colorado Avalanche who were demolished 8-3 by the Maple Leafs the night before. But the Canadiens could not take advantage and did little to test the Avs goalie who had been shelled in Toronto.

Last game: MTL 1  COL 4  F

For a complete game recap: The Boss Was Watching | RECAP: COL @ MTL

Players to Watch

  • Ryan Poehling
    Poehling has played hard bringing a much-needed physical presence down the middle for the Canadiens. With injuries continuing for the Habs, Poehling may get additional icetime to add to his four goals in 11 games recorded so far.
  • Ben Chiarot
    Chiarot has been a rare bright spot for Montreal this season. His five goals are tied for second most on the team. Chiarot has even managed time on the power-play which can only add to his trade value.
  • Cole Caufield
    Caufield has clearly struggled to start this season and has been relegated to a bottom-six role while he works out his issues. Caufield simply needs to work harder in all zones of the ice which will contribute to his offensive production.

Keys to Victory

  • Take advantage of PP opportunities
    Allowing short-handed goals, committing turnovers, and not utilizing the weapons were all power-play errors against the Avalanche. Habs will welcome back Mike Hoffman to the lineup which should boost the power-play.
  • Move the puck
    The Canadiens have been giving up far too many shots on goal as they get hemmed in their own end. Move the puck smartly out of the zone to minimize fatigue.
  • Play a disciplined game
    The Habs will need to clean up their mistakes and be especially wary of a strong power-play squad on the Predators.
Statistical Matchup for Game 26
Bridgestone Arena, Nashville, TN | December 4, 7:00 PM ET | TV: TSN2, RDS, ESPN+, BSSO

2021-22  statistics
PREDATORS CANADIENS
25 (18th) Points (rank) 14 (29th)
12-10-1 Record 6-17-2
L1 Streak L2
5-5-0 Last 10 2-7-1
2.74 (23rd) GF/G (rank) 2.24 (29th)
2.83 (15th) GA/G (rank) 3.56 (29th)
24.6 (7th) PP% (rank) 13.0 (29th)
78.4 (23rd) PK%  (rank) 69.3 (30th)
50.2  Faceoff % 48.4
Pre-game Quotes
Mike Hoffman

  • “I come to the rink and I try and keep the energy positive. Obviously, it’s been a tough year and it’s not very easy to play with and come back to the rink the next day with a positive mindset. So, I try to talk to the guys and try and keep the room light as much as I can.”
Projected Forwards, Defense and Goaltenders (subject to change)
Forwards
Forsberg – Granlund – Duchene
Tolvanen – Johansen – Kunin
Trenin – Sissons – Jeannot
Cousins – Novak – Tomasino		 Lehkonen – Suzuki – Toffoli
Drouin – Poehling – Armia
Hoffman – Dvorak – Caufield
Pezzetta – Perreault – Evans
Defensemen
Josi – Fabbro
Ekholm – Carrier
Borowiecki – Benning		 Chiarot – Kulak
Romanov – Savard
Norlinder – Wideman
Out of the lineup
Scratched: Harpur, Myers
Injured: none		 Scratched: Paquette, Dauphin, Schueneman, Clague
Injured: Edmundson (back), Petry (upper-body), Anderson (upper-body), Price (knee), Byron (hip), Weber (multiple injuries)
COVID-19 protocol: Gallagher, Niku
Goalies
Juuse Saros Jake Allen
Record: 10-8-1
GAA: 2.34
Sv%: .923
SO: 1
Alternate: David Rittich		 Record: 5-11-1
GAA: 2.96
Sv%: .907
SO: 2
Alternate: Sam Montembeault
 Game Expectations
The Canadiens surprised the Predators with a 6-3 victory in Montreal on November 20th. Can they take advantage of another Saturday night matchup this time in Nashville for a rare road victory?

Bottom Line

If given the ice time and responsibility, this could be a great opportunity for the young players to shine in a frenzied atmosphere at Bridgestone Arena.
 Video Highlights

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