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

A Look Back

Former Panther Mike Matheson gave the Habs a swift lead opening the game with a quick snipe 16 seconds into the match. It was a back and forth tilt with the Habs scoring all three of their goals on three shots but did not benefit the team as Florida set a franchise record Thursday night scoring seven goals in the first period, forcing the Canadiens to switch between their net-minders three times throughout the game. Rem Pitlick and Rafael Harvey-Pinard added a tally late but was no help as the Habs fell to a score of 9-5.

Last game: MTL 5  FLA 9  F

For a complete game recap: Crushed in Florida | RECAP: MTL @ FLA

Players to Watch

• Mike Matheson
  Despite a tough loss against his former team, the Quebec native was able to electrify the team with a goal early on. With his offensively-minded play, he’s managed to scrounge together seven points in the last 10 games (3G-4A), and although he adds offense to the back-end, the main focus should be teaching the rookies the basics of what it takes to be an NHL defender, not focused on producing offensively.
• Rafael Harvey-Pinard
  The 24-year-old winger found net Thursday night and added an assist against Pittsburgh on Tuesday evening after a long nine game point drought, finding a single goal within that period. With two points in his last two, Harvey-Pinard could be finding some rhythm.
• Josh Anderson
  Number 17 gets lost in the mix of talent on the team but certainly comes with an edge and has not missed a beat the last five games. The 28-year-old power forward has contributed five points in the last five games (3G-2A). He’s on pace to having his second best season in the NHL through 9 seasons.

Keys to Victory

• Keep the puck out
  A point with multiple meanings; keep the puck out of the defensive zone but more importantly the net. After a dazzling nine goals against, defense and goaltending should be addressed prior to the Tampa Bay matchup.
• Play shut-down hockey
  The Tampa Bay Lighting are a force to be reckoned with having six players with 50 plus points and the rest of the team with double digits, minus three rostered players. Defensive hockey will need to be a focus to have a chance in this match.
• Lean on leadership
  After a brutal loss in Sunrise, Florida the veterans and leaders on the team need to use this as a learning opportunity to teach the young up and comers the values of taking a loss and finding confidence for the next game.

2022-23  statistics

• “He’s going to be dressed.”

Bottom Line