GAME DAY | Canadiens – Blackhawks: Preview, Prediction, Lines, Goalies, TV

Sam Gerber

December 9, 2018

GAME DAY | Canadiens – Blackhawks: Preview, Prediction, Lines, Goalies, TV

Game Preview by Sam Gerber

Last game : MTL 5 OTT 2 Paul Byron showed his worth when the game was tied by using his speed to beat a defender putting the Habs up by one. Shortly after, Shaw scored his 100th career goal. Montreal’s special teams failed once again allowing the Senators to get back into the game. Carey Price was especially sharp and was relied on early to make saves.

For a complete game recap: Habs Take Down Sens

Players to watch

Jesperi Kotkaniemi
Kotkaniemi seemed to struggle against the physical play from the Senators. Having said that, he adjusted quickly, making a beautiful pass in traffic for a one-timer from Andrew Shaw. It was a highlight reel play displaying Kotkaniemi’s skill.
Shea Weber
Weber showed the first signs of rust since his return. In five games played, Weber has collected four points. He has been especially effective helping the Habs shut teams down in the third period. Since Weber’s return, Montreal has not allowed more than seven shots in the final frame.
Tomas Tatar
Tatar has become the Habs best shooter, He has four point in the last five games. Tatar could be on his way to a career year.

Keys to Victory

Start quickly
The Blackhawks is in last place in the league but are not a team to be taking lightly. Montreal needs to have a fast start.
Win special teams
The Canadiens should be able to win the special teams battle as the Blackhawks special team numbers are terrible.
Use speed
The Habs have started to use their speed again and will be key against an older blue-line.

Matchup by All Habs staff
United Center, Chicago, Il \| December 9, 6:00 PM ET \| TV: SN, SN1, RDS
	2018-19 statistics
BLACKHAWKS	2018-19 statistics	CANADIENS
23 (31st)	Points (rank)	33 (14th)
9-16-5	Record	14-10-5
5-5-3	Home/Away	6-4-3
2-8-0	Last 10	4-4-2
2.73	GF/G	3.14
3.70	GA/G	3.17
11.5	PP%	14.1
73.3	PK%	78.3
50.82	CF%	53.80

eSAT Analytics by Mathieu Chagnon

Projected forward lines, defense pairings and goaltenders
Forwards
Saad – Toews – Kampf Kahun – Anisimov – Kane Fortin – Strome – DeBrincat Martinsen – Kruger – Hayden	Drouin – Domi – Shaw Tatar – Danault – Gallagher Byron – Kotkaniemi – Lehkonen Agostino – Chaput – Deslauriers
Defensemen
Keith – Jokiarju Seabrook – Manning Gustafsson – Murphy	Kulak – Weber Schlemko – Petry Reilly – Benn
Out of the lineup
Scratched: Perlini, Kunitz, Rutta Injured: Davidson, Forsling	Scratched: Hudon, Peca, Juulsen Injured: Armia
Goalies
Corey Crawford	Carey Price

Record: 5-13-1 GAA: – 3.22 Sv%: – .902 SO: 1 Alternate: Cam Ward	Record: 10-8-4 GAA: – 2.96 Sv%: – .900 SO: 1 Alternate: Antti Niemi

What to Expect by Sam Gerber

An original six match-up always generates some extra buzz. Both teams have a combination of young players who are still developing sprinkled with star veterans. The Blackhawks are not the same team of a few years ago, having sacrificed a lot to win Stanley Cups. They are understandably paying for it now. Montreal has a window of opportunity like the Blackhawks did to go for it all and it starts by beating a team at the bottom of the standings. With Weber back the Habs defense has done wonders in shutting down teams and should be no different against a struggling Blackhawks team.

Highlights from the NHL

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2018-19 statistics