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

The Canadiens took advantage of a bad start by Dallas. Nikita Scherbak scored a highlight reel goal. The most memorable part of the game was Andrew Shaw injuring himself while trying to deliver a hit. With his past concussion history, fans hope that he can make a recovery.

For a complete recap: Pens Too Strong for Habs

• Tomas Plekanec
  Plekanec is surely missed with the Habs. On paper, it doesn’t appear that he has had the best transition to Toronto, with no points in his first seven games with the Leafs. But it is important to remember that Plekanec was not acquired as a goal scorer on the fifth best offensive team in the league.
• James Van Riemsdyk
  With JVR piling up the points lately, the pending unrestricted free agent is putting himself in a good position to land himself a big payday in the off-season.
• Mike Reilly
  Reilly has come as advertised. While he has continued to impress with his offense joining the rush or on the second wave of the power-play, his play in his own zone has been a train wreck at times.

Keys to Victory

• Keep up the attack
  The Canadiens need to tap in to the emotion of a long-standing rivalry on Saturday night. It can be channeled in a positive way despite the difference in the standings.
• Don’t suffer a let down
  The Habs can’t give up back-to-back goals against the Leafs, They’re an energy team that will roll if they get a couple in a row.
• Make the quick out
  The Canadiens have given up far too many turnovers because they failed to get the puck out of their end fast.

The Leafs are, by far, the superior team, but the Habs can surprise them. Owning the puck at the start and maintaining a strong compete level will go far for the Habs. The Leafs are an extremely well-coached team and will come out strong each period.