GAME DAY PREVIEW | Montreal Canadiens vs Winnipeg Jets: Preview, TV, Start Time, Statistical Match-up, Projected Lines, Starting Goalies, Keys to Victory, Habs Tickets
Game Preview
A Look Back
The Habs didn’t have the fatigue excuse that they used on Thursday night. In some respects, they played worse on Saturday night after a full day of rest.
Xavier Ouellet
Victor Mete was unable to handle the role of third-pairing defenceman so Ouellet will move from the taxi squad to take his place. Ouellet is prone to mental mistakes but hopefully can fill the void temporarily.
Phil Danault
Danault has been struggling on both sides of the puck this season. He suffered a minor injury last game and will be a game-time decision for tonight’s match in Winnipeg.
Alexander Romanov
It was announced that surgery on Ben Chariot’s hand will keep him out of the lineup for 6-8 weeks. That puts a lot of pressure on Romanov, a rookie, to fill in alongside Shea Weber until a more permanent solution can be found.
Keys to Victory
Get off to a good start
The Habs were dominated by the Flames in the first period last game. They can’t afford to have the same type of start against a much more potent Jets lineup.
Be disciplined
The Jets are top-10 in the league on the power-play and will do damage if the Canadiens have a constant parade to the penalty box.
Don’t go to OT The Jets have far more skill and elite talent than the balanced lineup of the Canadiens. They don’t need many chances to finish, so the Habs have to take care of business in regulation time.
Statistical Matchup
Bell MTS Place, Winnipeg, MB | March 15, 8:00 PM ET | TV: TSN2, TSN3, RDS, ESPN+
2020-21 statistics
JETS
CANADIENS
36 (8th)
Points (rank)
31 (16th)
17-8-2
Record
12-8-7
9-4-1
Home/Away
7-3-6
7-2-1
Last 10
3-3-4
3.37
GF/G
3.19
2.85
GA/G
2.63
25.0 (10th)
PP% (rank)
21.3 (14th)
77.6 (18th)
PK% (rank)
77.5 (19th)
47.69
CF%
55.17
Pre-game Quotes
Corey Perry
“We have to be ready to play. You look at last game and what happened in the first period, we talked about it, we addressed it. We know what’s at stake. These points are huge. You’re playing your division every single night, so you have to be ready. From what we’ve seen yesterday at practice and the attitude this morning, we’ll be ready and we’ll be fresh.”
Projected Forwards, Defense and Goaltenders (subject to change)
Record: 8-5-4 GAA: – 2.62 Sv%: – .907 SO: 0 Alternate: Jake Allen
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
Carey Price has had four great games in a row and the Habs will need another one from him tonight.