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

A Look Back

It was a wild night in Montreal that saw the Habs get a five goal lead through two periods. It was a pleasant surprise to see several players find the back of the net but more to see this team compete and prove that they can fill the back of the net. Sam Montembeault was strong in net, especially early, giving the Habs a quality start. The Predators did comeback in the third but the lead was enough for the Habs to get a convincing win.

Last game: MTL 6  NSH 3  F

For a complete game recap: All Smiles | RECAP: NSH @ MTL

Players to Watch

• Ryan Poehling
  Poehling had a strong game for the Habs. With three goals in six games he’s doing exactly what he needs to do to keep his spot in the lineup. Poehling has an interesting skill set that the Habs don’t really have, he can thrive anywhere in the lineup when given the chance. Hopefully the Habs continue to allow him to prove he’s ready for the NHL.
• Jonathan Drouin
  Drouin has quietly had a decent start to the season with nine points in fourteen games. It’s great to see some time off has helped. His play making was on full display last game setting up multiple goals. If Drouin can be that type of player on a nightly basis the Habs will easily be a better team and could start climbing the standings.
• Nick Suzuki
  It is hard to believe Suzuki was held off the score sheet in a game where the Habs scored six goals but it happened. Suzuki isn’t going to have too many of those nights so it was great to see his teammates do their part. If Suzuki can find his chemistry with Cole Caulfield and Tyler Toffoli it will be a huge boost for the Habs.

Keys to Victory

• Maintain the effort
  The Habs surprised everyone last game with a high offensive game. The Habs need to build off that win and have the same type of effort tonight and put together a few wins.
• Win special teams
  While the Habs had a great game they fell apart in the third giving up back-to-back power-play goals. The Habs need to be much more aggressive on the penalty-kill and be willing to take chances. They are already giving up goals regularly. It won’t hurt to gamble and try to force a turnover rather than sit back and keep everything to the outside.
• Contain Ovechkin
  Records are being broken this season with almost every goal scored by Alex Ovechkin this season as he tries to chase down The Great One for goals scored. The Habs have to have a game plan in place to contain Ovechkin and stick with it. Great players only need one mistake or a split second to change a game.

2021-22  statistics

• “We will have to show even more character and get our hands dirty. We did this on our last trip. We now have to take that to another level, in order to have good results.”

Bottom Line