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

A Look Back

A close game that the Habs controlled for all but the final minute where they collapsed allowing the Canucks to score with forty-one seconds left. Overtime wasn’t much better, while the new coached Habs played half of overtime with three forwards they still failed to generate any offense. While the Habs did end up losing, Carey Price played great for the third straight game.

Last game: MTL 1  VAN  2  F/SO

For a complete game recap: Canadiens @ Canucks: Failing to Finish

Players to Watch

• Tomas Tatar
  The Habs have several playmakers but lack some skilled finishers. Tatar has been the most consistent goal scorer over the last few seasons for the Habs but this season he has not been himself. With the games more important and a playoff atmosphere,  Tatar’s game might not suit this style.
• Josh Anderson
  Anderson seems to be back to his normal self, the physical element he brings is much needed for the Habs especially against the much more physical teams from the West.
• Shea Weber
  Habs need to get a few wins in a row, and need to lean on the leader. Weber has only four goals this season, while it isn’t a huge concern with Petry excelling this season.

Keys to Victory

• Finish chances
  The Habs had many chances to put the Canucks away last game they lacked the finish. Too many play-makers and a lack of goal scoring will eat at the Habs if they cannot find a way to finish in close games.
• Finish checks
  The Habs continue to be one of the more physical teams however there are often moments where Habs players make small effort in their hits. While it is still a hit it does almost nothing for the game except take them out of position.
• Finish power-play opportunities
  The Habs power-play has become one of their strongest points of their game, they need to force the Canucks to take penalties to take advantage of the hot power-play. 

2020-21 statistics

• ” I think we’re going to finish where we deserve to finish. We can put pressure on ourselves and say that it’s important to win the game tonight, but every game is going to be important the rest of the way. We’re more focused on finding ways to win than just saying that we must win.”

Bottom Line

Expect the Habs to not be pushed around this time and to see some frustration if they have a hard time scoring once again.