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

The Habs got off to a good start but after scoring an early goal let up and allowed the Senators to take advantage. Two quick goals by the Sens changed the entire game as they trapped the Habs for the remainder. The Habs had a chance to get back in the game on a brief 5-on-3 power-play but failed to win the faceoff costing them most of the power-play. Carey Price was beat on two deflections and once on the power-play. Price expects himself to make every save but his team were more to blame for these goals than he was.

Last game: OTT 3  MTL 2  F

For a complete game recap: Senators @ Canadiens: Sens Stun Habs

Players to Watch

• Josh Anderson
  Anderson was very passionate last game. He had an up and down game that saw him get banged up a few times. Even less than 100 percent, Anderson showed how much of a difference maker he can be and will have something to prove this game once again.
• Nick Suzuki
  Self-admittedly Suzuki had a bad game. It doesn’t happen too often and I expect a bounce back performance against a team that Suzuki should be able to play his game.
• Jeff Petry
  Petry didn’t earn a single point for only the third time this season. Every time that has happened he has had a strong next game. Expect him and the defence to be more active and jump up in the play.

Keys to Victory

• Ramp up the effort level
  The Senators simply wanted it more last game. The Habs are the much better team but on any given night the team that wants it more will likely win. Expect much more effort from the Habs this game.
• Be physical
  The Habs have a number of forwards who finish their checks for the sake of finishing their checks. The Habs need to up their physicality treating this like a playoff game knowing that leaving a few bruises on the opponent will pay off long term.
• Control the play
  The Sens played a trap game and the Habs allowed them to, this time around the Habs need to control the play and make the Sens chase them from start to finish. 

2020-21 statistics

• “First thoughts were, our desperation, our compete level probably needs to be better, be ready from puck drop in the first period and really push the game, don’t wait for the other team to come to you, play our game, both our intensity, our speed, our drive, force the other team to make adjustments.”

Bottom Line

The Habs are the better team and need to show it today. Jake Allen will get the start while Alexander Romanov will play after taking a puck to the face during practice yesterday.