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

A Look Back

There was a fitting pre-game tribute to Guy Lafleur with respect from a mixed crowd of Habs and Sens fans at the Canadian Tire Centre. Following the pleasantries, it was a feisty affair with leftover tensions from the April 5th match-up. The Canadiens were a disorganized mess with Cole Caufield’s 20th goal being the only bright spot.

Last game: MTL 4  OTT 6  F

For a complete game recap: Defensive Collapse | RECAP: MTL @ OTT

Players to Watch

• Jake Evans
  Evans has perked up as the regular season is coming to a close. The Toronto native has four points in his last three games. With an almost even 49.9 percent win rate at the dot, the dependable centreman has been proving his worth to the team. The 25-year-old will look to stay healthy and close out the year on a good note.
• Jeff Petry
  It appears that Petry feels more comfortable in his role again. He has four assists in the last four games. Turnovers have negatively affected his gameplay having eight in those last four, but overall has looked steady and calmer in the back end.  Management is expected to move Petry in the off-season so these last three games could be important for the 34 year old.
• Rem Pitlick
  There’s no denying that Pitlick is a defensive liability at some points. He does however have flashes of offensive excellence.  The centerman has three points in his last two games. It’s questionable whether Pitlick will be an asset for the Canadiens moving forward, but for now, is a fun player to watch when he’s producing.

Keys to Victory

• Be disciplined
  The Bruins – Habs rivalry always has the potential to be a physical affair. But replicating the 27 minutes of penalties taken against Ottawa will not be a recipe for success.
• Move the puck smartly
  The Habs skaters have turned the puck over with regularity during the eight game losing streak. The must make better decisions and provide better targets.
• Score first
  The Canadiens have not opened the scoring in six games. They should focus on finding momentum early and setting the tone.  Boston is second in the league averaging 36.2 shots a game. The struggling defence will have to find a way to hold back the offensive Bruins crew so the offense can create chances..

2021-22  statistics

• “We’ll worry about Boston [on Sunday], but that’s also another fun rivalry there.”

Bottom Line