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

A Look Back

Thanks to the Jakes, both clubs had prime chances to steal this contest. Jake Allen and Jacob Markstrom both posted a save percentage over .970 and collectively made 71 saves to keep their respective teams in the game. Quebec native Jonathan Huberdeau netted the only goal for Calgary and scored in the shootout at the Bell Centre. Josh Anderson poked one in after a heads-up pass from Juraj Slafkovsky. The show was stolen by the young talent of Nick Suzuki and Kirby Dach ending a close contest with a few well-placed shots in the shootout.

Last game: MTL 2  CGY 1  F/SO

For a complete game recap: Dach With Shootout Winner | RECAP: CGY @ MTL

Players to Watch

• Josh Anderson
  The former 2012 fourth-round pick has been playing a 200-foot game as of late. The 6-foot-3-inch winger started off the season very quietly but has made a resurgence scoring three goals in the past four games. With this type of production, it will greatly increase Anderson’s value if management decides to facilitate a trade.
• Jordan Harris
  The 22-year-old has been playing exceptional defense for the Canadiens. His speed and puck moving abilities are highlighted every matchup and it has translated into four assists in four games. Harris carries the puck with confidence and creates opportunity which has led the team to victory on multiple occasions this season.
• Jake Evans
  With some key players out of the line-up, Evans has been relied on to take longer minutes and it was tested against the Flames. He played 6:39 more against Calgary than his previous game against the Kings on December 10th. Although Evans is not producing at an staggering rate, he is bolstering the bottom-six winning key faceoffs and has been a huge part in the penalty-killing success.

Keys to Victory

• Win power-play
  The Canadiens went 0-for-7 on the powerplay against the Flames which has placed them 30th in the league on the man-advantage. They have got to find a system that works playing with an extra player and become more consistent. With a shaky power-play the Canadiens will struggle down the road to find success..
• Strike early
  The Senators are highly effective in the offensive end. The Habs will need to focus on applying early pressure and playing a clean defensive style of hockey. Shutting down Brady Tkachuk, Claude Giroux, Drake Batherson and Alex DeBrincat will be key in allowing the Canadiens to attain offensive pressure.
• Keep your head up
  The Flames put the Canadiens young squad to the test with a series of hits throughout the match laying exactly 25 hits. The pesky Senators are currently sitting 5th in the league for hitting with a generous team effort of 824 total. The Habs will have to play with authority and prepare for an aggressive matchup.

2022-23  statistics

• “In the NHL, things go so fast. You need to think quickly and make a decision. So I don’t think he has to shoot more, but rather make decisions faster.”

Bottom Line