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

A Look Back

The Habs overcame a late start after playing the second of a back to back against a rested Senators team. Jeff Petry got it going and finally got out of his slump. Then after having a goal called back the Habs were able to tie it by a great pass by Nick Suzuki to Tyler Toffoli. The hero of the game was Cole Caufield who chose the perfect time to score his first NHL goal.

Last game: MTL 3  OTT 2  (OT)

For a complete game recap: Senators @ Canadiens: Dramatic OT Finish

Players to Watch

• Cole Caufield
  After taking advantage of the opportunity in overtime and scoring his first goal, Caufield will be more relaxed and should see his best game yet tonight.
• Jake Allen
  After getting the night off, Allen will look to get back to his normal self. Allen hasn’t been at his best lately but he was signed for this reason and tonight is his turn to step up.
• Michael Frolik
  Frolik has been playing some great hockey and its gone under the radar. The points aren’t there but he has made several great plays and has made the fourth line more offensive lately.

Keys to Victory

• Contain the offence
  The Habs let the Leafs’ best players get the best of them last time. Tonight, the Habs have to work together to shutdown Auston Matthews but can’t overplay him as they did last time.
• Play 60 minutes
  The Habs may be banged up but that didn’t stop them from outshooting the Sens 18-3 in the third. If the Habs can play like that for a full game they will always have a chance at a win.
• Frustrate the Leafs
  The Leafs have won five straight and are in cruise control waiting for the playoffs. The Habs have to knock them off their game, make them uncomfortable and take advantage.

2020-21 statistics

• “When you win a couple in a row, that’s when you start feeling good about your game and the confidence is a lot more there. I thought we showed a lot of character in those last two wins, but we’ve got to carry that over into tonight, have a big game and a huge start.”

Bottom Line