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

After giving up four goals to the Devils in the first period, the Canadiens battled back to make it close. Brendan Gallagher had another strong effort while Jacob De La Rose has displayed his untapped talent with increased ice-time. Rookie Charlie Lindgren deserved a much better result and showed a lot of compete shutting down the Devils in the third.

For a complete recap: Habs Penalty-Kill Buried by Devils

Players to watch

• Jeff Petry
  Petry has stepped up big in the absence of Shea Weber and has become a back bone of a shaky defense corps. Petry will be challenged to finish his season strong and carry the momentum to next season. 
• Evgenii Dadonov
  Dadonov has been providing the offense when his team needs him most.
• Andrew Shaw
  Shaw hasn’t had the smoothest return to the lineup. There is some obvious rust in his skating and passing game which has led to turnovers. It’s key for Shaw to play his game and to stay healthy.

Keys to Victory

• Slow it down
  The Panthers love to play quick but get disrupted when opponents clog the neutral zone.
• Get pucks deep
  The Habs need to be hard on the fore-check to provide energy and create scoring chances.
• Box out forwards
  Montreal needs to tie up opposing forwards and win puck battles for loose pucks.
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They Panthers are one of the hottest teams in the league. They sit two points out of a wild card spot with multiple games in hand. The Canadiens will want to come out strong after a disastrous first period against the Devils..