Drouin Returns | PREVIEW: NYI @ MTL

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Sam Gerber
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GAME DAY PREVIEW | Montreal Canadiens vs New York Islanders: Preview, TV, Start Time, Statistical Match-up, Projected Lines, Starting Goalies, Keys to Victory, Habs Tickets

Game Preview 

A Look Back

The Habs enjoyed an extended break after the All-Star weekend. It was much needed as the Habs have an injured lineup. Sadly many players remain out with multiple AHL players filling holes. The Habs have 31 games left in the season and sadly they sit sixth last in the league. While the Connor Bedard sweepstakes could be the ultimate reward at the end of the season, the Habs have to play with heart.

Last game: MTL 4  OTT 5  F

For a complete game recap: Time to Pause | RECAP: OTT @ MTL

Players to Watch

  • Jonathan Drouin
    One player who is healthy once again and needs to make the most of the remainder of the season is Jonathan Drouin. When healthy, Drouin has shown flashes of the player he can be but has failed to do so consistently. A strong finish is a must for Drouin whose NHL career is in jeopardy.
  • Jordan Harris
    Fresh off signing his contract extension, Harris has a lot to be proud about. Harris has proven he is more than capable at the NHL level and should only continue to improve his game reaching his true potential as a strong, mobile two-way defenceman.
  • Sam Montembeault
    While the Habs results have not been there this season, Montembeault has enjoyed some measure of success. While he has a long way to go to prove he can be a consistently effective NHL goalie, a strong finish to this season will go a long way to giving him a bigger opportunity next season.

Keys to Victory

  • Start on time
    After a long time off, the Habs have to be ready right from puck drop or they will be playing from behind which is not something you want to do against the Islanders.
  • Create offence
    The Habs will have to find a way to score against one of the most defensive teams in the league. It won’t be easy but the Habs can’t afford to pass up high danger chances.
  • Play disciplined hockey
    The new look Islanders are a strong team that will make you pay if you take penalties. The Habs have to be smart tonight and stay out of the box.
Statistical Matchup for Game 52
Bell Centre, Montreal, QC | February 11, 12:30 PM ET | TV: TSN2, RDS, ESPN+, MSGSN

2022-23  statistics
ISLANDERS CANADIENS
59 (15th) Points (rank) 44 (27th)
27-23-5 Record 20-27-4
L1 Streak L2
4-5-1 Last 10 4-5-1
2.89 (25th) GF/G (rank) 2.55 (29th)
2.69 (8th) GA/G (rank) 3.71 (28th)
16.8 (27th) PP% (rank) 15.6 (31st)
82.5 (4th) PK% (rank) 72.8 (30th)
50.5  Faceoff % 50.0
Pre-game Quotes
Jordan Harris on signing a contract extension

  • “I’m happy and excited. It is an honour for me. I feel very proud at the idea of ​​belonging to this organization for two more seasons. I like it here, I like the players and the coaches.”
Projected Forwards, Defense and Goaltenders (subject to change)
Forwards
Bailey – Horvat – Barzal
Lee – Nelson – Palmieri
Parise – Pageau – Holmstrom
Martin – Cizikas – Fasching		 Harvey-Pinard – Suzuki – Anderson
Hoffman – Dach – Dadonov
Pitlick – Dvorak – Ylonen
Pezzetta – Drouin – Belzile
Defensemen
Pelech – Pulock
Romanov – Mayfield
Aho – Dobson		 Xhekaj – Savard
Matheson – Barron
Harris – Kovacevic
Out of the lineup
Scratched: Johnston, Wotherspoon, Bolduc
Injured: Wahlstrom, Clutterbuck		 Scratched: Wideman
Injured: Byron (hip), Price (knee), Monahan (lower-body), Guhle (lower-body), Gallagher (lower-body), Evans (lower-body), Armia (upper-body), Slafkovsky (lower-body), Caufield (shoulder), Edmundson (upper-body)
Goalies
Ilya Sorokin Sam Montembeault
Record: 17-17-4
GAA: 2.41
Sv%: .923
SO: 5
Alternate: Semyon Varlamov		 Record: 10-10-2
GAA: 3.19
Sv%: .909
SO: 0
Alternate: Jake Allen
 Game Expectations
The Islanders made a splash before the break acquiring All-Star center Bo Horvat, and the move has been a perfect fit. The Habs will have to be careful as the tandem of Horvat and Barzal has been hard to stop. The Habs need to be smart and not get sucked into the defensive game style of the Islanders.

Bottom Line

Wins are going to be harder to come by as teams are making a push for the playoffs, the Habs have to remain competitive and try to play spoilers the remainder of the season.
 Video Highlights

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