GAME DAY PREVIEW | Montreal Canadiens vs New York Rangers: Preview, TV, Start Time, Statistical Match-up, Projected Lines, Starting Goalies, Keys to Victory, Habs Tickets

A Look Back

There were little to no positives for the Habs against the Sabres. It could be an eye opening loss as the Habs struggled on both ends of the ice and gave up three power-play goals to a bad team. It won’t get any easier as the Habs play a desperate Rangers team looking for their first win of the season.

Last game: MTL 1  BUF 5  F

For a complete game recap: An Ugly Start | RECAP: MTL @ BUF

Players to Watch

• Ben Chiarot
  The pairing of Chariot and Savard hasn’t quite worked out as both players are grinding defencemen that are better suited in the role of shutdown defenders. Chariot needs to simplify his game, move the puck up to his forwards and punish opposing players.
• Joel Armia
  Armia signed a four year $3.4 million contract extension and has been given more offensive opportunities this season. Armia brings a lot to the table and the deal could be a bargain for the Habs if he can find his consistency. He gets a promotion to help kickstart the Canadiens top line tonight.
• Cole Caufield
  No goals in two games for the expected Calder winner is nothing to be concerned about. Caufield has fit in nicely and is known to be a big game player. Saving his first goal or two in front of a capacity Bell Centre would be a pretty big moment for the Habs and for Caufield.

Keys to Victory

• Get a strong start
  While it hasn’t been a great start to the season, several players are excited to play their first game at the Bell Centre. It’s important the players give the fans something to cheer about early and feed off that energy.
• Win special teams
  Special teams play is one reason that the Habs have lost both games this season and will be in tough against one of the league’s most dangerous power-plays. More movement on the power-play and determination on the penalty kill will benefit the Habs.
• Be physical
  The Habs showed last playoff run they can’t be pushed around. They need to start to be physical while being careful as the Rangers are a much more physical team than in years past, led by Ryan Reaves who can take on any player at any time. 

2021-22  statistics

• “We’re moving up a player (Joel Armia) to help with net presence, puck protection, and retrievals. We think that Armia, at his best, can help us. So, that moves (Tyler) Toffoli with Brendan Gallagher. In both cases, they are players who can score 30 goals per season. It’s another way for us to balance our offense and see how the guys react.”

Bottom Line