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

A Look Back

It appeared to be a close match-up until the Ducks scored twice in the final minutes of the first period just 28 seconds apart to lead the Habs going into the second period.  Lukas Dostal held the fort down for the Ducks in the middle frame as the Canadiens peppered him with 12 shots but couldn’t find mesh. It took the third period to find life as “Goal” Caufield was able to score a one-timer on a fantastic play by the power-play unit. Three minutes and 26 seconds later Caufield was able to wrap the puck in on a missed shot from the point to tie the game. Unfortunately it was not enough as John Klingberg was able to fire the game winner in from the blue line followed by the Ducks putting in two empty netters to seal the deal.

Last game: MTL 2  ANA 5  F

For a complete game recap: Habs Clipped by Ducks | RECAP: ANA @ MTL

Players to Watch

• Cole Caufield
  The 21-year-old winger was close to sparking a comeback win at home for the Habs after scoring back-to-back goals Thursday night. With those two goals, the Wisconsin native has propelled himself in the scoring leaderboard and is now tied for ninth with Mark Scheifele while also surrounded by some notable names such as Kirill Kaprizov, Jack Hughes, Sidney Crosby, and a few more. With his knack for the net and his clutch moment abilities, it’s apparent that he’ll be inking a very good deal with the club in the forecoming future.
• Christian Dvorak
  The 6-foot-1-inch centreman has not necessarily lived up to the hype since he was acquired, however, he has been playing steady and calm hockey. Dvorak has four points in six games (2 goals, 2 assists) and continues to win key face-offs logging a commendable 53.4 percent success rate.
• Kaiden Guhle
  The former first round pick had one of his poorer showings against the Ducks. He was on the ice for the two initial goals scored, one of them being caught flat-footed by Trevor Zegras. The 20-year-old has played exceptional defense up to this point and shouldn’t be any cause for concern. Guhle will be looking to bounce back against the Tampa Bay Lighting and have some fire to bring to the line-up.

Keys to Victory

• Focus on defense
  It’s no secret that the Lightning possess a few offensive power horses.The Canadiens will have to find a way to shut down Brayden Point, Nikita Kucherov, Steven Stamkos and company. This is a team that has had years to develop chemistry. The young defensive squad of Montreal will have to buckle up and work together to win this David versus Goliath clash.
• Open the scoring
  The Canadiens have fell behind early in their past two matchups. Scoring first should be a primary focus as they’ve been able to rally back from deficits, but simply unable to close their games out.
• Move the puck
  There were flashes of excellence against the Ducks Thursday night where the Canadiens took the time to compose proper passes with smooth transitions through the neutral zone as well as moving the puck with authority. The Canadiens will have to bring the same mentality at home and use their youth and speed to get around the sizable Lighting roster.

2022-23  statistics

• “We sometimes have good moments, but we have to generate more chances. We have confidence in having players who can deliver the goods.”

Bottom Line