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

A Look Back

It was a physical game that the Habs were lucky to leave with the extra point. The Habs escaped the first period with a lead thanks to Mike Hoffman who had two goals. But the Habs allowed the Wings to stick around until they tied the game to force overtime. The Habs found themselves shorthanded multiple times, gave up a penalty shot and had two players with misconducts. Jake Allen made 41 saves and Nick Suzuki had the game-deciding goal in the shootout.

Last game: MTL 3  DET 2  F/SO

For a complete game recap: Welcome Back Hoffman | RECAP: MTL @ DET

Players to Watch

• Mike Hoffman
  Hoffman had his first multi-goal game of the season. Hoffman made the most of suspension to Josh Anderson and rewarded himself with two goals both due to great offensive awareness. He was still in the right place at the right time.
• Joel Edmundson
  Edmundson has been a blocking machine since coming back from injury but he has been a step behind and is committing turnovers. It may take time but Edmundson should become Mr. Reliable on the backend once he gets used to game speed.
• Cole Caufield
  It was a rare night where the Habs first line was held without a point yet both Caufield and Suzuki were able to make their mark in the shootout. Caufield isn’t likely to go many games without getting a point.

Keys to Victory

• Be disciplined
  The parade to the box last night was unacceptable and the Habs find themselves short another player due to suspension. The Habs were victimized several times by the Canucks power play last season so the Habs will have to be a lot smarter tonight and stay out of the box.
• Start strong
  The Canucks are not off to a great start to the season and the Habs can put them away early with a great start to the game. An early lead is exactly what will get the Canucks forcing plays allowing the Habs to pounce off turnovers.
• Get to the goaltender
  It’s been a tough start to the season for Thatcher Demko who has won only once in nine games. Demko made 27 saves in his last start against Nashville but the Canucks lost 4-3 in a shootout.

2022-23  statistics

• “It wasn’t easy, but we found a way to win this match. A lot of credit goes to the players who killed the penalties. They fought and allowed us to have a chance to win this game.”

Bottom Line