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Flames @ Canadiens: A Tough Test | HABS PREVIEW

Sam Gerber

GAME DAY | 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 great all-around performance by the Habs that saw them in control the whole game. The Habs got off to a great start with two power-play goals and didn’t look back. Two late goals by the Flames made the game look a lot closer than it was but the Habs played a great game. Shea Weber blasted his second of the season but this time it was his patented slapshot from the point.

Last game: MTL 4  CGY 2

For a complete game recap: Flames @ Canadiens: Special Teams Dominate 

Players to Watch

  • Corey Perry
    Since entering the line up Perry has been exceptional. With a point in each game he will make it a hard decision to remove him from the lineup. His skill in-front of the net is one of the best in the league and has become a big part of the Habs power play.
  • Jake Allen
    Allen will make his third start for the Habs. It’s rare to see Price get a Saturday night off but Allen has played well and the coaching staff will stick to their goaltending schedule.
  • Phillip Danault
    Danault has three points in seven games and is no longer the primary defensive forward on the penalty-kill. Danault’s numbers are lower than they should be playing on the Canadiens’ top line with two of the Habs best wingers. Danault has reportedly asked for a big contract but if he can’t find the back of the net consistently the Habs may be best to make a move.

Keys to Victory

  • Repeat the effort
    The Habs played a great first game against the Flames. Having lost three in a row, expect Calgary to come out strong. An even better performance will be required tonight from the Habs.
  • Execute transition game
    The transition game of the Habs is a big reason they have yet to lose in regulation. Their speed excels in transition and is something they need to focus on to keep their winning streak alive.
  • Win special teams
    Not to often are the Habs going to score three special teams goals but Montreal is mucg improved in that department from last season and hope that it will become a dependable part of their game.
Statistical Matchup
Bell Centre, Montreal, QC | January 30, 7:00 PM ET | TV: CBC, TVAS, CITY

2020-21 statistics
FLAMES CANADIENS
5 (28th) Points (rank) 12 (3rd)
2-3-1 Record 5-0-2
0-1-1 Away/Home 1-0-0
2-3-1 Last 10 5-0-2
3.20 GF/G 4.83
2.60 GA/G 2.83
32.1 (6th) PP% (rank) 30.8 (8th)
76.2 (19th) PK% (rank) 78.1 (16th)
54.68  CF% 53.42
Pre-game Quotes
 Claude Julien
  • “We have to minimize the amount of errors we make and keep the rhythm on our side. We’re going to play against a very hungry team tonight. It’s a team with a lot of character. It’s a good hockey team. They’ve lost a few games in a row, so they’ll want to rebound. We have to be able to manage the situation in a positive way. We have to be ready to play a big game and battle for loose pucks. I think the will of the team will play a key role tonight.”
Projected Forwards, Defense and Goaltenders (subject to change)
Forwards
Gaudreau – Monahan – Simon
Tkachuk – Lindholm – Leivo
Bennett- Backlund – Mangiapane
Lucic – Ryan – Nordstrom		 Tatar – Danault – Gallagher
Drouin – Suzuki – Anderson
Perry – Kotkaniemi – Toffoli
Lehkonen – Evans – Byron
Defensemen
Giordano – Andersson
Hanifin – Tanev
Valimaki – Nesterov		 Chiarot – Weber
Edmundson – Petry
Kulak – Romanov
Out of the lineup
Scratched: Rinaldo
Injured: Dube
 Scratched: Mete
Injured: Armia
Goalies
Jacob Markstrom Jake Allen
Record: 2-2-1
GAA: – 2.62
Sv%: – .911
SO: 1
Alternate: David Rittich		 Record: 2-0-0
GAA: – 2.01
Sv%: – .907
SO: 0
Alternate: Carey Price
 Game Expectations
After losing three in a row the Flames know losing a fourth will put them behind in the standings. If the Habs are up to the task once again this game could get physical. Matthew Tkachuk can be a pain and he will be sure to make an impact any way he can.

Bottom Line

A tight Canadian division battle will come down to the wire but you can expect a big effort from the Flames.
 Video Highlights

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