GAME DAY | Canadiens – Bruins: Preview, Prediction, Lines, Goalies, TV

By
Sam Gerber
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Game Preview by Sam Gerber
Last game : MTL 3  COL 0     The Canadiens executed a solid game plan. They played physical, they took advantage of opportunities and they were strong in their own end including getting outstanding goaltending. Weber lead the way on the defensive end by matching up against the MacKinnon line all night, and shutting them down. A perfect win by Phillip Danault and a well placed shot by Brett Kulak got the Habs on the board while short handed. Jonathan Drouin set up Jesperi Kotkaniemi in the slot for a one-timer. Carey Price was strong all game, stopping several point blank chances. Jordie Benn was rewarded for his physical play by scoring the empty net goal.

For a complete game recap: Price, Habs Penalty-Kill Silence Avs

Players to watch

  • Jonathan Drouin
    Drouin played better with his new linemates and set up Kotkaniemi with a beautiful pass. Drouin will need to show that he can play at that level, every shift, every game and ramp up his work effort on a consistent basis.
  • Phillip Danault
    Danault was strong in the faceoff dot against the Avalanche and will need to be again against one of the best faceoff teams in the Bruins. If Danault can continue to be strong in the dot the Habs will be a much better team down the stretch.     
  • Victor Mete
    It is only a matter of time before Mete scores his first NHL goal. He has been playing great hockey since be paired consistently with Shea Weber and being in the lineup every night. Speed is his biggest weapon.

Keys to Victory

  • Start well
    The Bruins are a strong team who score first quite often. The Habs need to have a good start and get a goal to grab the momentum. 
  • Get pucks on net
    Good things happen when you get the puck on net. In a game that’s expected to be tight checking the Canadiens can’t be afraid to get the puck on net when there’s traffic in front.
  • Win special teams
    The Montreal power-play made some changes and had some chances. They need to keep improving their effort level with the man advantage.  
Matchup by All Habs staff
TD Garden, Boston, MA | January 14, 7:30 PM ET | TV: TSN2, RDS, NBCSN

2018-19 statistics
BRUINS CANADIENS
56 (10th) Points (rank) 51 (14th)
26-15-4 Record 24-17-5
16-6-0 Home/Away 12-8-3
7-3-0 Last 10 6-4-0
2.89 GF/G 2.96
2.58 GA/G 3.02
27.8 PP% 12.5
80.9 PK% 78.9
51.66  CF%  54.40
 
 
Projected forward lines, defense pairings and goaltenders
Forwards
Marchand – Bergeron – Pastrnak
DeBrusk – Krejci – Backes
Kuraly – Acciari – Wagner
Heinen – Forsbacka-Karlsson – Donato		 Lehkonen – Domi – Armia
Drouin – Danault – Gallagher
Tatar – Kotkaniemi – Byron
Agostino – Chaput – Deslauriers
Defensemen
Chara – McAvoy
Krug – Carlo
Grzelcyk – Miller		 Mete – Weber
Reilly – Petry
   Kulak – Benn
Out of the lineup
Scratched: Moore, Cave, Kampfer
Injured: Nordstrom
 Scratched: Hudon, Peca, Alzner
Injured: Shaw
Goalies
Tuukka Rask Carey Price
Record: 13-8-2
GAA: – 2.41
Sv%: – .921
SO: 1
Alternate: Jaroslav Halak		 Record: 17-13-4
GAA: – 2.67
Sv%: – .910
SO: 3
Alternate: Antti Niemi
 What to Expect by Sam Gerber
The Bruins have won seven times in their last 10 games. The Canadiens did a great job on Saturday shutting down one of the NHL’s best lines, and they’ll have to do that again tonight. The Bergeron line is very strong but the Bruins also have considerable depth in their lineup. Shea Weber, will be tasked to shutdown Boston top line. Carey Price coming off his third shutout of the season will look to keep his strong season going. It is an opportunity for Montreal to make up some ground on the Bruins. 
Highlights from the NHL
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