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

The Canadiens took advantage of the Stanley Cup champs who were having an off night. But good teams find ways to win. With just over two minutes left, former Habs player Corey Perry was in the right place at the right time to tie the game. And with just 38 seconds remaining Ondrej Palat caught Jake Allen deep in his crease for the Lightning winning goal.

Last game: MTL 2  TBL 3  F

For a complete game recap: Missed Chances | RECAP: TBL @ MTL

Players to Watch

• Jesse Ylonen
  After shining in Laval with 14 points in 17 games, Ylonen finally received a callup from the Canadiens. Ylonen is an elite skater with strong, smooth strides. He has good hands with a heavy wrist shot. Ylonen plays a mature game with pace.
• Jake Evans 
  Despite the abundance of injuries Evans, a centre, has been placed on the wing. When asked, Dominique Ducharme created considerable controversy replying, “Do you want to expose a young guy going toe-to-toe every shift with Patrick Kane and  Jonathan Toews tomorrow? Or against MacKinnon and Rantanen? Or last night against Stamkos and Palat every shift?”
• Mike Hoffman
  Hoffman has just one assist in two games since return to the lineup. Now on the top line with Nick Suzuki and Jonathan Drouin, Hoffman will be expected to help provide the offensive production for the team.

Keys to Victory

• Be ready
  After a third period collapse to the Rangers on Tuesday night, the Canadiens can expect the Blackhawks to start strong. Despite the two teams being near the bottom of the standings, this is still an original-six matchup at the Bell Centre.
• Play the youth
  With so many players sidelined due to injuries, it’s time for Dom Ducharme to give the Habs young players significant ice time. They will bring energy to the team while providing an opportunity to see what they can do.
• Spoil the party
  Marc-Andre Fleury is third on the list of all-time wins for NHL goaltenders with 499 behind only Patrick Roy and Martin Brodeur. The Canadiens, particularly Jake Allen, have no interest in seeing Fleury celebrate win No. 500 at the Bell Centre.

2021-22  statistics

• “It’s one win away, but hopefully not [Thursday]. I have the utmost respect for a guy like him that can play in the League. I think the hardest thing to do as a goalie is play in this League with longevity and consistency. Not many guys can do it. Only a few guys can. Five hundred wins, that puts him just behind Marty (Brodeur) and Patrick (Roy.) It’s just an amazing accomplishment. He’s going to get it this year. It’s incredible.”

Bottom Line