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

A Look Back

The Canadiens were able to successfully shut down the Red Wings for the full sixty minutes, who were playing without two of their top three scorers. It was the second win for the Habs over Detroit in 11 days. Nick Suzuki led the way with a goal, his first of the season, and two assists.

Last game: MTL 3  DET 0  F

For a complete game recap: A Positive Start | RECAP: DET @ MTL

Players to Watch

• Josh Anderson
  Anderson was flying on Tuesday, seemingly fueled by the anger towards his team’s poor start. Anderson added six shots on goal to his team-leading 33 shot start to the season while adding his third goal. With Gallagher less than 100 percent, it’s important for Anderson to become the sparkplug of  the team.
• Brett Kulak
  With injuries to the backend, Kulak has been thrust into a top-four role at times this season. As a puck-moving defenceman, Kulak can contribute to the offence and is currently tied for the team lead in points for Canadiens defencemen.
• Michael Pezzetta
  While Pezzetta played less than nine minutes in his first career NHL game, he led the team with five hits. Pezzetta must continue to have short shifts, stay disciplined and bring energy to the fourth line to remain in the lineup.

Keys to Victory

• Give their fans something to cheer about
  The Canadiens have been unable to win two games in a row so far this season. In fact they have only beaten the Red Wings and Sharks this season, two teams not expected to make the playoffs. Montreal has an opportunity at home to create momentum with a win over a very good Islanders team.
• Stay disciplined
  The Islanders are the league’s most physical team, averaging almost 33 hits per 60 minutes, tops in the NHL. The Canadiens must ensure that they don’t try to retaliate to be roughed up with stick work that will land them in the penalty box.
• Balance the icetime
  During the Stanley Cup playoffs, it was clear that the Canadiens were essentially playing with four defenceman. Needing a win on Tuesday night, they went back to that formula with the top-four defenceman all over twenty minutes. It’s a long season and the team may be better served by sharing the load this early in the year.

2021-22  statistics

• “There’s no concussion, but still, [Jonathan Drouin] got a puck to the head and there’s a bruise there, so we want to be sure it’s not a concussion.”

Bottom Line