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

A Look Back

The Habs have hit a slump, one they can’t afford. On top of that the offense has sputtered the last few games. Last game, the Oilers took advantage and got the win. The Habs may have had 38 shots on goal but none got past Mike Smith, who earned his 40th career shutout.

Last game: MTL 0  EDM 3  F

For a complete game recap:  Oilers @ Canadiens: Habs Blanked

Players to Watch

• Carey Price
  With the Habs in a slump the best players need to lead and fans can expect Price to do just that. Price’s high-danger save percentage is at the top of the league this season. Now the Canadiens defence needs to step up.
• Shea Weber
  The Habs need their leaders to step up, Weber has been a minus in the last two games and hasn’t registered a point in the last four. Expect the captain to make a difference tonight.
• Josh Anderson
  Anderson has been one of the most consistent players for the Habs this season and has made a big impact. If he can continue his play while connecting on some of the big hits he’s thrown, the Habs will have the player they envisioned when they traded for him.

Keys to Victory

• Play with urgency
  The Habs failed to show any urgency when they needed it last game, that can’t happen twice in a row. A losing streak this season could cost the Habs and they need to show some fight.
• Win puck battles
  Wanting it more is what it comes down to, the Habs need to want it more in order to win the puck battles and they can’t be afraid to go to the dirty areas.
• Respond to speed bumps
  If the Habs do fall behind they have to respond, they have been quiet the last few games but with a week off after tonight they can afford to leave it on the ice. 

2020-21 statistics

• “To make a defenseman’s life tough, just get pucks deep and work it down low. It sounds cliché, but it really works. It wears down the defensemen, so just more puck time in the offensive zone. I think the past couple of games we’ve been more of a one-and-done type team, but just work down low, protect the puck with our bodies and get those greasy goals. Lots of goals in this League are scored within 10 feet of the net, so just get those greasy goals and get to the inside.”

Bottom Line

There’s no excuse for the Habs not to be ready tonight. They will need to be fast right from the start and put up a fight for the whole game letting the Leafs and the league know that they are for real.