GAME DAY | Predators – Canadiens: Preview, Prediction, Lines, Goalies, TV

By
Sam Gerber
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Game Preview by Sam Gerber
Last game : MTL 2  VAN 0     The Canadiens started 2019 off just how they ended 2018. Carey Price came back from some much needed rest and posted his second shutout of the season with a phenomenal performance. From the second period on, Price was the difference maker as the Habs were outshot badly. Price made highlight reel saves covering bad Habs turnovers. Jordie Benn continued his strong play of late scoring another goal which was the game-winner.   

For a complete game recap: Price is Brilliant as Habs Blank Canucks

Players to watch

  • Shea Weber
    Weber has 11 points in 17 games since his return to the line-up. The Canadiens have only lost six games in that time showing just how dominant Weber has been for his team.
  • Jonathan Drouin
    Drouin continues to put up points, 33 so far this season, and is on pace to beat his career best. All is rosy while the winger has the puck on his stick but he remains one of the most disengaged players in the NHL without the puck. That must change.   
  • Max Domi
    Domi had a great start to the season and was one of the best players in October. Since then his has gone through several offensive droughts. His frustration showed last game, as he took a bad penalty shortly after a non-call that left a mark. Domi is an emotional player but must learn to channel those emotions.   

Keys to Victory

  • Execute with the man advantage
    Going up against one of the toughest teams from the West, the Canadiens have to be sharp and their power-play has to make a difference. 
  • Maintain focus
    The Habs have to focus on the task at hand not worry about settling past scores.
  • Use speed
    The Habs speed has been featured recently and resulted in goals. Montreal must continue using their biggest weapon and catch the Predators flatfooted. 
Matchup by All Habs staff
Bell Centre, Montreal, QC | January 5, 7:00 PM ET | TV: SN360, TVA, CITY, SNE,  ESPN+, FS-TN

2018-19 statistics
PREDATORS CANADIENS
51 (8th) Points (rank) 49 (13th)
24-15-3 Record 22-14-5
9-8-3 Away/Home 11-7-2
3-5-2 Last 10 7-3-0
3.00 GF/G 3.12
2.55 GA/G 3.12
14.8 PP% 13.1
81.4 PK% 77.4
53.15  CF%  54.33
 
 
Projected forward lines, defense pairings and goaltenders
Forwards
Hartman – Johansen – Arvidsson
Fiala – Jarnkrok – Smith
Di Giuseppe – Bonino – Watson
Salomaki – Gaudreau – Grimaldi		 Drouin – Domi – Byron
Tatar – Danault – Gallagher
Lehkonen – Kotkaniemi – Armia
Agostino – Chaput – Deslauriers
Defensemen
Josi – Ellis
Ekholm – Subban
Hamhuis – Bitetto		 Mete – Weber
Reilly – Petry
   Kulak – Benn
Out of the lineup
Scratched: Rinaldo, Irwin, Baptiste
Injured: Forsberg, Sissons, Weber, Turris
 Scratched: Peca, Hudon, Alzner
Injured: Shaw, Schlemko
Goalies
Juuse Saros Carey Price
Record: 9-5-1
GAA: – 2.83
Sv%: – .903
SO: 2
Alternate: Pekka Rinne		 Record: 16-10-4
GAA: – 2.75
Sv%: – .908
SO: 2
Alternate: Antti Niemi
 What to Expect by Sam Gerber
It’s time to move on and end all discussion about a trade that happened almost three years ago. The Canadiens are having a great season and the games are going to be a lot tougher from now on, every point matters. The Habs must continue their strong play to stay ahead of a surging New York Islanders team. Realistically, Montreal can grab a wildcard spot but a late season surge could mix-up the tight Atlantic division and a win against a top tier opponent in Nashville is how to start. 
Highlights from the NHL
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