With only ten players from the Canadiens opening night roster playing against the Leafs, the Habs failed to put up much of a fight. Charlie Lindgren did everything he could and made the game a lot closer than the end result.

For a complete recap: Lindgren’s Career High in Saves Not Enough

Players to watch

• Nikita Scherbak
  Scherbak should become a go-to option for the Habs offence and with added confidence will become a consistent threat to score for the rest of the season.
• Karl Alzner
  Alzner’s first season for the Habs has been terrible. With the 10 games left, he needs to show he’s worth his contract or the Habs may try to move him in the off-season.
• Jonathan Huberdeau
  Huberdeau has world class talent and continues to be a game changer down the stretch for the Panthers.

Keys to Victory

• Change the PK
  The Canadiens must change something. While short-handed on the road, the Habs sit dead last in the league.
• Improve shot selection
  Both teams average a lot of shots per game but the Habs shooting percentage is last in the league.
• Maintain possession
  Over the last two games the Habs had too few touches in the offensive zone and need to focus on playing with the puck.

2017-18 statistics

With only 10 games left in the Habs season, expect to see younger players getting more ice time. With changes coming in the off-season, players are fighting for spots on next year’s roster. Seven games will likely be against playoff teams which does present an opportunity to move down in the standings.

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