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Canadiens @ Flames: New Look Defence | HABS PREVIEW

Sam Gerber

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

Game Preview

A Look Back

It was a full team effort by the Habs that saw a strong game by a new line led by Jesperi Kotkaniemi. While it was a good win for the Habs, they also learned that Ben Chariot  has been sent back to Montreal for further testing on his injured hand.

Last game: MTL 5  VAN  1  F

For a complete game recap: Canadiens @ Canucks: A Dominating Win

Players to Watch

  • Joel Edmundson
    With the injury to Ben Chariot, Edmundson will have to step up. He’s already had a good season with the Habs but we will see what he can provide in a bigger role.
  • Jesperi Kotkaniemi
    A new look line provided a lot of jump to the Habs as Kotkaniemi seemed to be sparked from Brendan Gallagher. Look to see if this line can do it again tonight.
  • Alexander Romanov
    The injury to Ben Chariot will also challenge Romanov. The coaching staff has been careful to ease Romanov into situations but he will undoubtedly be given more responsibility now.

Keys to Victory

  • Start quickly
    The Habs are a different team when they get an early lead, confidence is key for this team and a fast start gives them just that.
  • Use depth
    With the second night of a back-to-back and a physical game last night, the Habs depth will be tested and must rise to the occasion.
  • Win special teams
    The Habs power-play struck again last night, and is giving the Habs momentum that has kept them in each game lately. 
Statistical Matchup
Scotiabank Saddledome, Calgary, AB | March 11, 9:00 PM ET | TV: TSN2, RDS, SNW

2020-21 statistics
FLAMES CANADIENS
25 (21st) Points (rank) 31 (12th)
11-12-3 Record 12-6-7
5-4-1 Home/Away 7-1-6
3-5-2 Last 10 3-2-5
2.69 GF/G 3.36
3.04 GA/G 2.64
21.1 (16th) PP% (rank) 22.5 (14th)
79.8 (14th) PK% (rank) 77.2 (19th)
49.89  CF% 58.52
Pre-game Quotes
Flames head coach Darryl Sutter
  • “There’s really no magic to it. The talking part is easy, now it’s the next part.”
Projected Forwards, Defense and Goaltenders (subject to change)
Forwards
Tkachuk – Lindholm – Dube
Gaudreau – Monahan – Ritchie
Lucic – Backlund – Mangiapane
Bennett – Ryan – Leivo		 Drouin – Suzuki – Anderson
Toffoli – Kotkaniemi – Gallagher
Tatar – Danault – Armia
Byron – Evans – Perry
Defensemen
Giordano – Andersson
Hanifin – Tanev
Valimaki – Nesterov		 Romanov – Weber
Edmundson – Petry
Kulak – Mete
Out of the lineup
Scratched: Robinson, Kylington
Injured: Nordstrom
 Scratched: Lehkonen
Injured: Chiarot (hand)
Goalies
Jacob Markstrom Jake Allen
Record: 8-7-2
GAA: – 2.88
Sv%: – .907
SO: 2
Alternate: David Rittich		 Record: 4-2-3
GAA: – 2.31
Sv%: – .921
SO: 0
Alternate: Carey Price
 Game Expectations
The Flames have given up at least three goals in their last six games and have lost four of those games. This is an excellent opportunity for the Habs to get some points to get back near the top of the division.

Bottom Line

Montreal can’t take the Flames lightly as they will be looking to rebound and get back in the playoff race.
 Video Highlights

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