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, NHL Stanley Cup Playoff Series

A Look Back

A very frightening collision took center stage as Leafs captain John Tavares took a knee to the head in what was a freak accident. It has now been learned that Tavares has no structural damage to his head or neck but did suffer a concussion and knee injury. This is positive news on what could have been a severe injury. The game seemed like an afterthought but it had to go on. The Habs won the game thanks to excellent goaltending and a highlight reel goal by Paul Byron.

Last game: MTL 2  TOR 1 

For a complete game recap: Canadiens @ Maple Leafs: Price Steals Opener | GAME 1 RECAP

Players to Watch

• Carey Price
  Price was outstanding in every respect in game one providing the path to victory. He may be in the heads of the Leafs, but Toronto has a lot of weapons and will be playing with emotion meaning that the Canadiens will need more of a team effort to take Game 2.
• Jesperi Kotkaniemi
  With Jake Evans being sidelined with an injury, Kotkaniemi will get an opportunity to be in the lineup. Kotkaniemi will want to make an impact but must control his emotions to ensure that his contribution is positive.
• Josh Anderson
  Anderson brought emotion and energy to game one with a goal, extra effort on the backcheck and physical play. The Habs need a carbon copy of of Anderson’s first game with a touch more finish around the net.

Keys to Victory

• Stay composed
  The Habs will have to be ready. The Leafs lost not only the game but their captain and they are going to be motivated to win it for him.
• Be physical
  The Habs had a 28-hit advantage over the Leafs last game. This is exactly how they need to play and need to bring energy to their performance.
• Win special teams
  Both teams did nothing on the power-play but the Habs really struggled entering the zone and setting up their attack. The Leafs aren’t going to take three puck over glass penalties again but the Habs need to start taking advantage of the situation and not lose any momentum from a flat power-play.

2020-21 Playoff statistics

• “We know that we can be a lot better than Game 1. We didn’t do a good enough job holding onto pucks and making the small little plays that we can make and be successful with. We know that we can be a lot better and we’ve got to bring it tonight.”

Bottom Line