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, NHL Stanley Cup Playoff Series

A Look Back

The Habs battled early but were given a wake up call. The Lightning didn’t let up and scored three unanswered goals in the third period. The Habs let the game get away from them but were lucky to be in the game at all. That was solely due to Carey Price who was outstanding keeping the Habs in it until midway through the third period. The Lightning showed exactly why they are the defending champs and controlled a majority of the game.

Last game: MTL 1  TBL 5 | Lightning lead series 1-0

For a complete game recap: Canadiens @ Lightning: Costly Mistakes | HABS GAME 1 RECAP

Players to Watch

• Nick Suzuki
  Suzuki and his linemates were steamrolled by the Brayden Point line in game one.  The Habs desperately need Suzuki to rise to the challenge and be one of their best players. It was apparent that Dominique Ducharme’s game plan didn’t include a strategy to match lines but perhaps the coaching staff will have a better approach in game two.
• Josh Anderson
  Anderson was very physical last game along with Artturi Lehkonen, Joel Edmundson, Ben Chiarot, and Shea Weber to lead the team in hits. Bringing an edge to his game  is welcome but Anderson’s offence is has been lacking and is needed for this series.
• Joel Armia 
  Coach Ducharme and his coaching staff chose to make Armia a healthy scratch last game following his false positive test. Armia’s size and strength was missed on the fourth line. Hopefully Armia can bring some energy to game two.

Keys to Victory

• Limit turnovers
  The Lightning scored three goals off Habs turnovers last game which decided the game. The Habs must make better choices and have to be the team forcing turnovers in order to get the win.
• Match lines
  In my view, Ducharme’s game plan should direct the bench staff to do a better job matching lines. While not having last change, the coaching staff should have Phillip Danault’s line playing against Brayden Point’s line as much as possible.
• Start strong
  The Habs need a good start and quick strike. The Habs can’t allow the Lightning to exert their will like they did last game.

2020-21 Playoff statistics

• “We’ve got to play a more respectful game to our systems, like managing the puck, playing 200 feet, and our battle level and compete level just has to rise. I’m sure it will. It has in every series. I know the guys are eager to get back and play a better game. Just those three things alone are going to give us a better chance in this game and in this series.”

Bottom Line