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

The Habs had a terrible start to the road trip getting punished by the Oilers. Montreal deserved to lose this game. They fell behind early and played catchup the rest of the game. Antti Niemi struggled badly in the game, giving up several soft goals. His team certainly didn’t help but he wasn’t able to make the timely save that could have kept the Habs in it.

For a complete game recap: Tough Night for Niemi, Habs D in Edmonton

Players to watch

• Phil Danault
  Playing in a top line role is something Danault needs to accept. He is playing with two of the Habs best offensive players in Brendan Gallagher and Tomas Tatar who thrive when they have possession. Danault lacks the skill to finish but he could work on his defensive game to make the top line a harder matchup. 
• Carey Price
  Price will get the start tonight. After two shaky starts by Antti Niemi, it is important for Price to make some early timely saves.  
• Brendan Gallagher
  After a tough loss, the Canadiens need to set the tone. Brendan Gallagher was a no show against Edmonton and must be a leader tonight.

Keys to Victory

• Play defence first
  Montreal can’t win games when they give up more than five goals. It’s time for them to focus on defense and take pride in playing well in their own zone.
• Win special teams
  The Habs special teams are still not where they should be and have been the deciding factor, negatively, in many games this season.
• Derail the top line
  Montreal failed to contain Connor McDavid last game. They will have to do a much better job against Johnny Gaudreau and Sean Monahan tonight.