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Byron Returns | PREVIEW: MTL @ VAN

Sam Gerber

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

Game Preview 

A Look Back

The St. Louis effect has taken full flight as the Habs continue to be a completely different team with him behind the bench. Nick Suzuki once again led the Habs with a three point game, while leading all forwards in ice time. Special teams was a difference maker in the game as the Habs scored twice on the power-play and once shorthanded securing the win.

Last game: MTL 5  EDM 2  F

For a complete game recap: On A Roll | RECAP: MTL @ EDM

Players to Watch

  • Brett Kulak
    Kulak has elevated his play since the coaching change taking full advantage of joining the rush at every opportunity. In his last 10 games, Kulak hasn’t been a minus player once. He is improving his trade value or perhaps making a case for the Habs to re-sign the depth defenceman on a short-term deal.
  • Joel Edmundson
    Edmundson may make his season debut against the Canucks. His addition will be a  solid presence on the back-end and should help solidify the Habs top pairs.
  • Josh Anderson
    Anderson is still playing well but the Habs need him to be consistently on his game every night. He is at his best when he is getting shots on net and when he is engaged physically.

Keys to Victory

  • Start strong
    Habs have had a few days off while on the road which doesn’t happen often. It will be key for them to be focused and to have a good start while scoring an early goal.
  • Win special teams
    The Habs dominated the special teams last game and will want to make that a trend as it can be something to build on for next season.
  • Win a faceoff
    The Habs have been on losing end of faceoffs the last three games. That will happen with a team filled with young centres. The Habs wingers need to be prepared to help win faceoffs for the Habs to gain possession more often.
Statistical Matchup for Game 57
Rogers Arena, Vancouver, BC | March 9, 10:30 PM ET | TV: TSN2, SNP, RDS, TNT

2021-22  statistics
CANUCKS CANADIENS
62 (19th) Points (rank) 37 (32nd)
28-23-6 Record 15-34-7
W2 Streak W2
7-3-0 Last 10 7-3-0
2.83 (23rd) GF/G (rank) 2.41 (32nd)
2.84 (12th) GA/G (rank) 3.79 (32nd)
20.9 (15th) PP% (rank) 13.4 (31st)
70.2 (32nd) PK%  (rank) 74.1 (28th)
51.0  Faceoff % 47.9
Pre-game Quotes
Marty St. Louis on Guy Lafleur
  • “I know he’s been through a tough time, and I want him to know we’re thinking of him.”
Projected Forwards, Defense and Goaltenders (subject to change)
Forwards
Pearson – Miller – Boeser
Hoglander – Pettersson – Garland
Podkolzin – Horvat – Chiasson
Highmore – Lammikko – Motte		 Caufield – Suzuki – Anderson
Hoffman – Dauphin – Gallagher
R. Pitlick – Evans – Byron
Lehkonen – Poehling – Armia
Defensemen
Ekman-Larsson – Myers
Hughes – Schenn
Hunt – Hamonic		 Chiarot – Romanov
Kulak – Petry
Clague – Wideman
Out of the lineup
Scratched: Bowey, Rempal
Injured: Sutter, Poolman, Burroughs, Dickinson		 Scratched: Paquette, Pezzetta, Perreault
Injured: Hammond (lower-body), T. Pitlick (undisclosed), Dvorak (upper-body), Savard (ankle), Allen (lower-body), Drouin (wrist), Edmundson (back), Price (knee), Weber (multiple injuries)
Goalies
Thatcher Demko Sam Montembeault
Record: 25-16-2
GAA: 2.63
Sv%: .917
SO: 1
Alternate: Jaroslav Halak		 Record: 6-11-4
GAA: 3.66
Sv%: .897
SO: 1
Alternate: Cayden Primeau
 Game Expectations
The Canucks are a hungry team that have something to prove to their GM before the deadline. They are on the outside looking in and have their work cut out for them and will give everything they got against the Habs. The Habs have to be ready or a desperate team will easily get the better of them. The Habs on the other hand know exactly how they need to play to win games and no longer go down easy. It should be an exciting game with both teams going back and forth until the final buzzer. .

Bottom Line

Stopping Bo Horvat needs to be a key for the Habs as he dominates the Habs every time he plays them. .
 Video Highlights

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