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

A Look Back

The Habs got off to a great start with Jonathan Drouin scoring the first goal of the season for the Habs and his first goal since returning to the team after taking a leave of absence last season. Unfortunately the Leafs took over from there and never looked back. The Habs had a perfect opportunity to tie the game with a 5-on-3 power-play but was far too predictable and stagnant leading to nothing. There were some chances but the Habs were unable to come back in this one and started this season with a loss.

Last game: MTL 1  TOR 2  F

For a complete game recap: Special Teams Failure | RECAP: MTL @ TOR

Players to Watch

• Jonathan Drouin
  Drouin’s return to the Habs showed that he hasn’t missed a beat. It’s doubtful, but since Drouin has found some peace, could he finally have a breakout season and become the player the Habs traded for years ago?
• Brendan Gallagher
  With the absence of Carey Price and Shea Weber, the locker room needs leadership and it will likely fall on Gally’s shoulders. He is one of the longest serving players on the roster and has been a spark for the team. Can Gallagher lead with the added pressures and years of wear and tear?
• Nick Suzuki
  Suzuki had a quiet night against the Leafs which hopefully won’t happen too often this season. His line is there to create offense. After signing a long-term deal, Suzuki will have to prove he is worth it.

Keys to Victory

• Win special teams
  Losing the special teams match against the Leafs cost the Habs a win. That can’t happen again. For a team expected to be a playoff bubble team, strong special teams play could be a difference maker.
• Use speed
  The Habs have a lot of speed on their wings and will be key every single game for the Habs to win. Taking advantage of that on a nightly basis and consistently throughout a game will be important for success.
• Limit mistakes
  NHL games are most often decided by which team makes the least mistakes. The Habs made one too many mistakes in the season opener. Playing against the Sabres, a team prone to making mistakes, the Habs have to capitalize and not make it easy for them.

2021-22  statistics

• “Dominique Ducharme had a full training camp to prepare his team. I am confident that we are going to have a good season.”

Dominique Ducharme

• “We’ll need both goalies to play. We cannot ask Jake to be playing all games in October and until Carey comes back.”

Bottom Line