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

A Look Back

On the positive side, it was Jesse Ylonen scoring the first goal of his NHL career. But it was the Penguins scoring twice in the third period to give a win to the Dark Side on Star Wars night in Pittsburgh.

Last game: MTL 2  PIT 5  F

For a complete game recap: 7th Loss in a Row | RECAP: MTL @ PIT

Players to Watch

• Jeff Petry
  It’s no secret that Petry has struggled to find the net this season. But Petry hit his target directly after Tuesday’s game saying that the team plays with “no structure.” Ducharme claimed that they “took care of business” so we’ll see if the two have gotten on the same page.
• Joel Armia
  At the Bell Sports Complex in Brossard on Wednesday, heads were turned to see Armia practicing as part of the fourth defence pairing with Corey Schueneman for drills. Armia could find himself as a healthy scratch for Thursday’s game vs the Flyers.
• Jonathan Drouin
  Drouin caused a stir on Monday saying that he was satisfied with his effort on the ice. To many reporters, it seemed tone deaf. It’s fair to say that Habs fans would love to see Drouin go on a scoring run to improve his trade value.

Keys to Victory

• Dominate faceoffs
  The Canadiens struggled at the faceoff dot against the Penguins with a 37 percent success rate. Ranked 24th in the league on draws, Ducharme has to put his centermen in the best position to start with possession.
• Be disciplined
  Montreal has taken the sixth most minor penalties in the league. With a penalty-kill that ranks 30th in the league that is a dangerous combination.
• Start strong
  The Flyers dominated the first period of their game on Tuesday taking a 2-0 win to the first intermission on their way to a 6-1 trouncing of the Devils. The Habs must be prepared to start the game from the drop of the puck.

2021-22  statistics

• “I like Joel (Armia) as a player. He’s got size, skills. I believe in him. I’m sure if we ask him he wants to do more for the team, I’m sure. So we’re going to work with him like we work with everyone.”

Bottom Line