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

A Look Back

It was a wild back and forth game where the Habs completed the comeback in overtime. There were several highlight reel goals for both teams but it was a strong character win for the Habs, who showed they are never out of a game. After the Habs tied the game on a late third period power-play, it was off to overtime where Kaiden Guhle made a great pass creating a two-on-one as Mike Hoffman finished the play on the back door with the feed from Kirby Dach.

Last game: MTL 5  PIT 4  F/OT

For a complete game recap: Hoffman: OT Hero | RECAP: PIT @ MTL

Players to Watch

• Kirby Dach
  The 21-year-old is showing no signs of slowing down scoring twice against Vancouver. Dach has been flourishing while playing the wing with Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield.  We look forward to Dach’s continuing success when he is returned to centre.
• Arber Xhekaj
  Xhekaj has quickly become a fan favorite. Fans enjoy his physical edge while Arber has chipped in with four points in 15 games. But paired with Joel Edmundson and playing on his off side, cracks have begun to show in his play. With Mike Matheson’s return on the horizon, it will be interesting to see where Xhekaj will play.
• Sean Monahan
  Monahan continues to fly under the radar in Montreal, but quietly had a great game and continues to provide great depth for the Habs. While he may be only on pace for just over 40 points, Monahan should get better as the season continues which should benefit the Habs greatly when the trade deadline arrives.

Keys to Victory

• Win battles
  A few goals last game were because of weak plays along the boards. The Habs need to be strong and physical. Simply, pinning a guy to the boards prevents him from moving the puck to the slot and allows the Habs to be well positioned whether or not they win 50/50 pucks.
• Win special teams
  The Habs special teams are starting to become consistent and it’s great to see. The Habs have a longshot chance at being wildcard team and a strong special teams will go a long way to getting one of those spots.
• Use speed
  Last game the Habs attacked with speed and it led to the opening goal and the overtime winner. If the Habs consistently use their speed they will have a chance to win every night.

2022-23  statistics

• “It’s tough to mess around with the Habs jerseys too much but I think when you do it with the Expos, it means something to the city and it’s a good look as well.”

Bottom Line