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

A Look Back

The struggles continued for the Habs as they gave up three goals early and never managed to generate any offense to make the game interesting. Not only were the Habs shutout, but they barely managed 21 shots, proving the effort level is clearly not there. It might be too early to hit the panic button but the Habs desperately need to wake up.

Last game: MTL 0  SJS 5  F

For a complete game recap: Frustrations Spilling Over | RECAP: SJS @ MTL

Players to Watch

• Christian Dvorak
  Dvorak has a single point in his first four games with the Habs. It hasn’t been a great start but Dvorak can be a game breaker for the Habs and they need him to find his game fast.
• Mathieu Perreault
  Perreault will play his first game at centre this season. While he has lost a step, Perreault has a lot of experience and knows the position well. He will try to overcome the struggles the Habs have faced down the middle so far this season.
• Jeff Petry
  No points in four games for the Habs best defenceman is a big issue. Petry has a lot of pressure on him this season with the absence of Shea Weber. Petry knows his game is being a puck-mover and his ability to join the rush. If Petry can find his game it should spark the offense.

Keys to Victory

• Create offence
  The offense has struggled so far this season with only three goals in four games. None of the lines are clicking, and it may be only a matter of time until the Habs find their scoring touch. Another low-scoring game for the Habs will be troublesome.
• Bring an effort
  High-end skill rarely beats all out effort, and for the Habs to win tonight they will need to out work every single Canes player. The Habs want to be a hard working team but haven’t shown it and frustrations will start to boil over if they don’t have the effort tonight.
• Play the system
  The Canes are a sound team in all three positions and will look to push the pace and capitalize on turnovers. For the Habs to be successful tonight, they have to shut that down and make this a tight checking game with sound defense. 

2021-22  statistics

• “There are 78 games left, we don’t panic, but we know it’s time to open the machine. And that’s what we’re going to do.”

Bottom Line