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

A Look Back

Alex Belzile energized the building with the first goal of his NHL career. The Canadiens did not slow down in the second period adding two more to the board, with Jordan Harris and Josh Anderson doing the damage. The Oilers showed a bit of life in the second period scoring two unanswered but it meant nothing as the Habs were able to shut down the offensive powerhouse scoring another three unanswered. Rafael Harvey-Pinard continued his hot streak with six goals in nine games. Harris was the first star with two goals on the night. Christian Dvorak broke a 20 game goalless drought.

Last game: MTL 6  EDM 2  F

For a complete game recap: Weekend Sweep | RECAP: EDM @ MTL

Players to Watch

• Jordan Harris
  The Massachusetts native has played an exceptional defensive brand of hockey for the Habs this season. Do not be fooled by his point production. Harris has bolstered the back end with a ‘stay at home’ type of play but was recently tasked to act more on his offensive abilities which was proven against the Oilers Sunday night jumping in the play and finding himself two goals. With this slight shift in his mindset, we could see the 5-foot-11-inch defender on the score sheet more often.
• Evgenii Dadonov
  It’s no secret that the Russian winger hasn’t really fit into the overall game-plan in Montreal, but has found production in other ways than his usual goal scoring abilities, gaining three assists in the past two games.
• Kirby Dach
  Number 77 has been playing with an edge and been very successful centering the second line. Dach has been electrifying with his play and certainly has not been struggling on the stat sheet. The big-bodied centerman has four goals and two assists in the past six games and has showed no signs of slowing down.

Keys to Victory

• Ride the wave
  After back-to-back wins against two worthy opponents, the Canadiens should not change their game plan. They are scoring goals, playing a shut-down game and are limiting their errors. They could, however, win more faceoffs after a poor showing at the dot Sunday night posting an overall 27.5 percent win rate.
• Win special teams
  The team was able to pot two power play goals Sunday night, capitalizing on the man-advantage is a sure way of finding another win at home.
• Get offense from the defense
  In the two past games Justin Barron and Jordan Harris proved how defensemen can be the game breakers. They both contributed goals that highlighted their offensive prowess and should continue to jump in the play to gain confidence in their offensive abilities.

2022-23  statistics

• “I enjoyed my four years [in Montreal], especially obviously my third year when we went to the Stanley Cup Finals. So, in the four final games of the semifinals we won, which was very exciting and then [coached] the first two games of the finals, it’s an exciting time. So, I’m looking forward to going back [where I made] good memories, but I definitely would like to win the game.”

Bottom Line