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

Unexpectedly, the Habs played a great game. They controlled possession and outshot the Leafs. That said, Toronto had the far better scoring chances and Carey Price has to be the best player for the Canadiens. Montreal let this one slip away though, after some questionable penalty calls and a bad line change. The Habs left with a single point but will look to use this as motivation for their first win of the season.

For a complete game recap: Habs Pleased With Effort, Disappointed With Result

Players to watch

• Jesperi Kotkaniemi
  Again, all eyes will be on the young 18 year-old. After holding his own against the Leaf centers and getting his first point in his first game he’ll have another test matching up against Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin most of the night.
• Mike Reilly
  Reilly was given a chance and he took it. He had the second highest time on ice for the Habs and made the right play most times he had the puck. His mobility along with his size makes him the Habs best choice to have on the ice.
• Jonathan Drouin
  While the Canadiens showed a good compete level against the Leafs Drouin was a glaring exception. He looked disinterested most of the night and made two terrible errors in overtime that led to the Leafs winning goal. He should own his mistakes and put the team on his back tonight.

Keys to Victory

• Play tight
  The Pens are another high offensive team that turn mistakes into goals, the Habs cannot give them space or time.
• Stay focused
  It’s difficult to ramp up the concentration level on every shift this early in the season but the Canadiens must have attention to detail if they will win in Pittsburgh.
• Continue the compete level
  The Habs compete level was a lot better than last season and it is something they have to repeat every night if they want to make playoffs.