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

A Look Back

All hope appeared to be lost after Chris Wideman took a late penalty with the Canadiens trailing 3-2. But Ben Chiarot crafted a masterful pass to Rem Pitlick who scored a short-handed goal in the final minute to force overtime. Cole Caufield  hammered a slap-shot past Carter Hart to silence the Philadelphia crowd.

Last game: MTL 4  PHI 3  F/OT

For a complete game recap: A Shocking Turn | RECAP: MTL @ PHI

Players to Watch

• Rem Pitlick
  Pitlick has tallied seven points in his last five games and currently has a lofty shooting percentage of 22.2 percent for the season. The 24-year-old forward has contributed offensively but needs to significantly improve his play without the puck.
• Ben Chiarot
  Chiarot is valued for his defensive work and physical game but has been producing at a point per game average in his last nine games, with two goals and seven assists. The 30-year-old defenceman has been playing extremely well in his final games in a Canadien sweater. Chiarot will not be in the lineup tonight against the Coyotes.
• Jake Evans
  Evans has scored once and added four assists in his past seven games with a plus-4  rating. Evans is averaging almost 16 minutes per game in a bottom six role this season with a 47.7 percent success rate at the faceoff dot.

Keys to Victory

• Limit opportunities
  The Coyotes’ offensive has come to life scoring 31 goals in their past six games. Arizona forward Lawson Crouse recorded his first career NHL hat trick on Monday night against the Senators.
• Create offence
  Both teams rank near the bottom of the league on special teams. So this game is likely to be decided at even strength. The Canadiens must drive to the net to create grade ‘A’ scoring chances.
• Protect the puck
  The Canadiens commit 10.81 giveaways per 60 minutes, second worst in the league. The head coach wants his players to react on their instincts but they must make better decisions.

2021-22  statistics

• “He’s a guy you win playoff series with. He’s been a great player for us. He’s taken a more offensive role on our team and leadership so it’s been fun watching him grow his game the last few years.”

Bottom Line