The Canadiens got the start they needed, scoring in the opening minute by Tomas Tatar. Carey Price was outstanding in the opening frame. Jonathan Drouin was responsible for his first opposition goal before the end of the period with Chris Krieder scoring for the Rangers. Tatar scored early in the second period followed by a power-play goal by Max Domi. Mid-way through the second period the Habs had a 3-1 lead. Montreal gave up a late goal resulting from a bad penalty. In the third, Jonathan Drouin and the Canadiens played one of their worst periods of hockey. They gave up three straight goals, all of them were preventable. Turnovers, missed assignments and lazy plays for the Habs was the norm in this period and it was hard to watch. Price was hung-out to dry in the third after giving his team a chance to win earlier. 

For a complete game recap: A Rough Night for Drouin

Players to watch

• Carey Price
  Price will continue to give his team a chance to win on a nightly basis. The team allowing five goals had nothing to do with him. His team needs to play better in front of him and can’t allow players to beat them to rebounds. 
• Karl Alzner
  Due to Noah Juulsen’s minor injury, Alzner finds himself back in the line-up. Alzner needs to be defensible sound and needs to bring a physical element. Juulsen leads the team in hits and Alzner needs to do his part to make up for that. 
• Jonathan Drouin
  Drouin had a terrible game, he was a minus-4, and lacked any effort in the defensive end the entire game. He has to rebound and be the difference maker tonight or he will find himself in a bottom-6 role or watching from a press box soon. 

Keys to Victory

• Be better defensively
  The Canadiens, in particular Jonathan Drouin, must deliver a much better defensive effort this game. They fell apart last game and lacked effort on the defensive side. In addition, they need to be willing to block shots and take the body. 
• Use your speed
  The last time the Habs played Buffalo, Max Domi killed them with speed, scoring two similar goals by forcing the defense back and getting the puck on net.
• Stay out of the box
  The Habs have to stay out of the penalty box. That said, penalties are still a part of the game and the Habs have to do a much better job on the penalty kill, especially when their opponent has control in the offensive zone

2018-19 statistics

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