GAME DAY PREVIEW | Montreal Canadiens vs Vegas Golden Knights: Preview, TV, Start Time, Statistical Match-up, Projected Lines, Starting Goalies, Keys to Victory, Habs Tickets, NHL Stanley Cup Playoff Series

A Look Back

The Canadiens got off to a great start as the fourth line opened the scoring. Ten minutes later, Tyler Toffoli gave the Habs a two goal lead. The Habs did a good job shutting down the Knights through the middle of the ice but two blown face-off plays allowed the Knights back in the game. The Habs hung on due to the play of Carey Price who once again gave the Habs a chance to win.

Last game: MTL 3  VGK 2 | Series tied 1-1

For a complete game recap: Canadiens @ Golden Knights: Price, Weber Lead the Way | HABS GAME 2 RECAP

Players to Watch

• Nick Suzuki
  Suzuki almost had the goal of playoffs but it wasn’t meant to be. Shortly after he was victimized after a bad icing and showed his inexperience at the faceoff dot. It was the third goal for the opposition off a lost draw in the playoffs by Suzuki.
• Corey Perry
  Perry was in the middle of everything and was in Vegas’ heads all night. Perry knows this is exactly what it takes to win and he has been leading by example.
• Jeff Petry
  An injured and scary-looking Petry made a big impact for the Habs. Nothing is stopping Petry from doing anything he can to win this series.

Keys to Victory

• Cover the points
  The two goals scored by the Knights were off blown faceoff coverage. They got some lucky bounces but the Habs have to have a guy covering Alex Pietrangelo every defensive faceoff.
• Start strong
  Getting a lead is key for the Habs as the confidence they play with is huge when they get that first goal.
• Maintain your style
  Vegas will be making some adjustments after Carey Price was able to shut them down but it’s important the Habs continue to play their game and not get sucked into Vegas’ style.

2020-21 Playoff statistics

• “We’ve just got to stick to what we’re doing, play our own style of game, and we know the results are going to come that way. We know that if we’re right there within striking distance, we can make the most of the opportunities that we’re given.”

Bottom Line