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

Game Preview by Sam Gerber

Last game : MTL 4 PIT 3 F After squandering an early lead and falling behind 3-to-1, the Habs went to work. Montreal received offence from their defence with their young guns more than holding their own. Carey Price was once again the difference maker with Jeff Petry scoring his second game winning goal of the series.

For a complete game recap: Habs Comeback to Take Series Lead

Players to watch

Brett Kulak
Kulak has been a pleasure to watch as he has helped solidify the top-four of the Canadiens defence. It hasn’t been ideal, but with growing confidence, look for Kulak to join the rush.
Phillip Danault
The Canadiens top line remains goalless in the series so far. In an effort to get him going, Danault was granted some ice-time with the man advantage last game. The Habs didn’t score but Danault made an impact and may keep a spot. At even strength, Danault was dropped by Claude Julien to the third line in game three.
Shea Weber
Weber was named first star on Wednesday after leading the Canadiens with a three-point game on a goal and two assists. Expect a very focused and physical effort in game four from Weber.

Keys to Victory

Keep emotions in check
Playing the same team repeatedly will lead to heated moments. The Habs have to stay composed through the entire game playing against a desperate team.
Slow down the Pens
The Penguins have dominated play 5-on-5. While Carey Price has been outstanding in keeping the Habs in games, Montreal will need a full team effort to advance.
Win special teams
The Habs have failed to score on the power-play through three games going 0-for-10. While it would be helpful to add a power-play goal or two, it is essential that their penalty-kill performs much better than last game.

Statistical Matchup by All Habs
Scotiabank Arena, Toronto, ON \| August 7, 4:00 PM ET \| TV: SN, TVAS, NBCSN
	2019-20 statistics
PENGUINS	2019-20 statistics	CANADIENS
86 (7th)	Points (rank)	71 (24th)
40-23-6	Record	31-31-9
23-8-4	Home	14-17-6
3-7-0	Last 10	4-5-1
3.20	GF/G	2.93
2.84	GA/G	3.10
19.9	PP%	17.7
82.1	PK%	78.7
50.61	CF%	54.43

Pre-game quotes
Claude Julien Head coach Claude Julien announced that Alex Belzile will likely replace the injured Jake Evans in the lineup.
Projected forward lines, defense pairings and goaltenders by All Habs
Forwards
Guentzel – Crosby – Sheary Zucker – Malkin – Rust Marleau – McCann – Hornqvist Aston-Reece – Blueger – Tanev	Tatar – Suzuki – Gallagher Drouin – Kotkaniemi – Armia Lehkonen – Danault – Byron Weise – Domi – Belzile
Defensemen
Dumoulin – Letang Pettersson – Marino Johnson – Schultz	Chiarot – Weber Kulak – Petry Ouellet – Mete
Out of the lineup
Scratched: Ruhwedel, Czuczman, Rodrigues, , Varone, Johnson, Riikola, Angello, Joseph, DeSmith, Larmi, Lafferty Injured/Unfit to Play: none	Scratched: Evans, Poehling, Hudon, Folin, Juulsen, Olofsson, Primeau, McNiven, Weal, Romanov (ineligible) Injured/Unfit to Play: Evans
Goalies
Tristan Jarry	Carey Price

Record: 20-12-1 GAA: – 2.43 Sv%: – .921 SO: 3 Alternate: Matt Murray	Record: 27-25-6 GAA: – 2.79 Sv%: – .909 SO: 4 Alternate: Charlie Lindgren

What to Expect by Sam Gerber

Not many fans, analysts or players saw the Habs going up two games to one against the Penguins but they have done it. While Montreal has the best goalie in the league, Pittsburgh has two of the best centers in the league. The Pens are going to be playing desperately, giving extra effort on every play. The Canadiens must match their intensity to come up on the winning side.