GAME DAY | Montreal Canadiens vs Carolina Hurricanes: Preview, TV, Start Time, Statistical Match-up, Projected Lines, Starting Goalies, Keys to Victory, Habs Tickets
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Game Preview by Sam Gerber |
Last game : MTL 5 EDM 6 F Bad coverage, bad defense, and bad turnovers were on full display last game. The Habs put up 43 shots but they were not of the high danger variety. Claude Julien spoke about the team playing too loose and making mistakes all over the ice.
For a complete game recap: Habs Can’t Maintain Start
Players to watch
- Nick Suzuki
Suzuki has eight points in the last five games. He has found his game and has been vital to the Habs power-play.
- Shea Weber
The Habs didn’t play great defensively last game and need to be much sharper. Weber was a minus-3 and I’d bet on that not happening again..
- Charlie Lindgren
Marc Bergevin made a mistake in signing Keith Kinkaid to an expensive contract. Now is not the time to rush Cayden Primeau into the NHL. Charlie Lindgren has been the best goalie in Laval, has a good NHL record and deserves this opportunity.
Keys to Victory
- Clean up giveaways
The Habs again struggled with turnovers. They’re trying to do too much and need to keep it simple.
- Defend better
Expect a much better effort on defense tonight.
- Make better shot selections
The Habs have been lighting up the shot totals. It is helping their Corsi numbers but they need to make better choices when taking shots.
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Statistical Matchup by All Habs |
PNC Arena, Raleigh, NC | December 31, 7:00 PM ET | TV: TSN2, RDS, FS-CR |
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2019-20 statistics
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HURRICANES |
CANADIENS |
48 (8th) |
Points (rank) |
42 (22nd) |
23-14-2 |
Record |
18-15-6 |
11-6-0 |
Home/Away |
10-7-3 |
6-3-1 |
Last 10 |
6-4-0 |
3.36 |
GF/G |
3.28 |
2.85 |
GA/G |
3.26 |
23.4 |
PP% |
24.3 |
81.8 |
PK% |
76.4 |
55.15 |
CF% |
54.14 |
Pre-game quotes |
Claude Julien
- “[Charlie Lindgren] is here because we feel he’s capable of being here and doing the job, so it’s his chance tonight to help us win a hockey game.”
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Projected forward lines, defense pairings and goaltenders by All Habs |
Forwards |
Svechnikov – Staal – Foegele
Niederreiter – Aho – Teravainen
Dzingel – Haula – Necas
McGinn – Wallmark – Martinook |
Tatar – Danault – Gallagher
Lehkonen – Domi – Suzuki
Poehling – Kotkaniemi – Cousins
Vejdemo – Thompson – Weal |
Defensemen |
Slavin – Hamilton
Gardiner – Pesce
Fleury – Edmundson |
Chiarot – Weber
Kulak – Petry
Mete – Fleury |
Out of the lineup |
Scratched: van Riemsdyk
Injured: none
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Scratched: Folin, Reilly, Barber
Injured: Drouin, Byron, Peca, Armia |
Goalies |
Petr Mrazek |
Charlie Lindgren |
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Record: 15-8-2
GAA: – 2.74
Sv%: – .900
SO: 2
Alternate: James Reimer |
Record: 0-0-0
GAA: – 0.00
Sv%: – .000
SO: 0
Alternate: Carey Price |
What to Expect by Sam Gerber |
The Habs will be a frustrated team after dropping the first two games of the road trip in Florida. The Canes are six points up on the Habs and have already beat the Habs once this season. Expect the Habs to play with a bit of an edge as they try to finish the year of with a win. |
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