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

A Look Back

The Habs laid an egg in this one giving up an early goal, a short handed goal and had multiple breakdowns leading to goals against. Despite making numerous big saves on breakaways and odd man rushes Carey Price was clearly hung out to dry by the the Habs horrible defensive play.

Last game: MTL 3  OTT  6  F

For a complete game recap: Senators @ Canadiens: ‘We Weren’t Good’

Players to Watch

• Eric Staal
  Staal will make his Habs debut on a line with Jonathan Drouin and Tyler Toffoli and is expected to get some power-play time.
• Jeff Petry
  Petry has struggled since the Habs have returned from the break. He was especially bad on Saturday night with a minus-5 rating. Petry only has two points in his last seven games and hasn’t played well defensively.
• Jesperi Kotkaniemi
  With the addition to Eric Staal, Kotkaniemi has been pushed back in the depth charts. While Kotkaniemi should still get ice time, not getting a chance to play with highly skilled forwards regularly will hurt his potential.

Keys to Victory

• Get a quick start
  The Canadiens must bounce back from a flat a start against the Senators last game.  The Habs have to be ready and find the back of the net early.
• Commit to defensive hockey
  The Habs had an abundance of defensive breakdowns last game. It wasn’t pretty and cost them the game. The Habs can’t afford to do that again against Connor McDavid and company.
• Shoot the puck
   Several chances were nullified by over-passing last game. The Habs need to start being more selfish with the puck and take advantage of opportunities from good quality areas.   

2020-21 statistics

• “My excitement is at the top. Just being here in this hockey city, it’s got to excite you and give you that good, nervous energy. It felt really good to be on the ice with these guys. The first thing that jumps out is the talent level and skill level. Watching a few of those games, they’re really competitive, quick and aggressive, all things that you like to see out of a good hockey team. I’m excited to get involved tonight, hopefully play a good game and just be another part of the group that’s already here.”

Bottom Line

If the Habs want to be a true contender they need to start winning their remaining games convincingly and it starts with a solid win tonight.