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

A Look Back

The Canadiens started well as Mike Hoffman slapped a bobbling puck past Cam Talbot just one minute and 23 seconds into the game. But the Wild then scored five unanswered goals on Cayden Primeau, who was pulled after two periods. The Wild scored three more times in the third period matching their franchise record for goals.

Last game: MTL 2  MIN 8 F

For a complete game recap: ‘Put It In the Garbage’ | RECAP: MTL @ MIN

Players to Watch

• Mike Hoffman
  Hoffman has been playing with more pep in his step contributing three goals and an assist for four points in the last six games. With the deadline seven weeks away, Hoffman is increasing his value on the trade market.
• Rem Pitlick
  Since being acquired by the Canadiens, Pitlick has made himself comfortable and has contributed two goals and an assist in six games played. The 24-year-old forward has been versatile finding himself at centre and wing while playing up and down the lineup.
• Ryan Poehling
  While Poehling has only two points in his last ten games, he hasn’t let the lack of quality linemates restrict his effort. Being a big body, Poehling has been a great addition to the power-play winning face-offs and going to the front of the net.

Keys to Victory

• Play with energy
  The Canadiens should be feeling energized after a couple of days of practice and could be facing a fatigued opponent. The Ducks will be playing the second half of a back-to-back having lost in a shootout to the Maple Leafs on Wednesday night.
• Create offence
  The Ducks are on a roll with points in their past three games. The Canadiens will have to get off to a good start and establish a first period lead by going to the net.
• Stay disciplined
  The Ducks are strong on special teams being one of only five teams in the league to rank top-10 in both power-play and penalty-kill. The Canadiens will want to stay out of the box and focus on keeping the game at even strength.

2021-22  statistics

• “I think I’m a smart player. So, I try to read plays and be in the right spots, and then I’ve also used my skating to forecheck and not let them set up that easily. That’s what I usually do in Laval and that’s what I’m going to try to do here if I play P.K. too, to use my strengths.”

Bottom Line