Game Day: Canadiens vs Sabres – Preview, Lines, Goalies, TV, Fantasy
Jordan Lambe
Pre-game Notes and Quotes
Dan Bylsma: “In some ways a lot of the last number of games we’re playing good teams and not giving up a lot of opportunities to score. That’s hard to play against, I think for a lot of that game last night we were that … when you give up 20 shots or 21 shots in regulation, anything close to 20 and under is real good from your team.”
Brendan Gallagher: “I know what it’s like to play against a team at the top of the standings. You’re always motivated. You want to be the team that puts an end to a streak. It’s the NHL. Nothing comes easy. They want the two points and they’ll be ready.”
Torrey Mitchell: “Buffalo is in a full re-build mode this year. It wasn’t the same at all last year. It seems like they have a lot of skills, so I’m expecting a tough game from them, this game is just another opportunity to keep the momentum going for us. We expect their best when we get there, but hopefully we can keep it going.”
Matt Moulson: “I think keeping it out of your own end, getting it into their zone as quick as possible, I think that’s a main philosophy we’ve been trying to preach, get pucks up quickly, get them in the other end, and we’ve done a decent job at that. Hopefully we keep getting better.”
The Sabres have allowed the second fewest shots against per game so far this season. They have allowed only 25.3 shots against per game this season; a far cry from their league worst 35.6 shots against per game last season.
The Canadiens lead the league in goal differential with a plus-16 so far this season, a massive lead over the Dallas Stars who have a plus-10.
Matchup
First Niagara Center, Buffalo, NY. | October 23, 7:00 PM ET | TV: RDS, CITYM, MSG-B, BELL TV
2015-16 statistics
SABRES
CANADIENS
4 (14th)
Points (Eastern Con. rank)
14 (1st)
2-4-0
Record
7-0-0
2-2-0
Home
3-0-0
0-2-0
Road
4-0-0
2-4-0
Last 10
7-0-0
1.67
G/G
3.29
2.50
GA/G
1.00
20.0
PP%
14.3
68.8
PK%
91.7
49.4
CF%*
56.1
46.2
CF60*
62.0
47.4
CA60*
45.2
*Advanced statistics: Score adjusted, even strength. CF%: Corsi for percentage of total CF60: Corsi For/60 minutes CA60: Corsi Against/60 minutes (via War on Ice)
Projected forward lines, defense pairings and goaltenders
With only 11 goals in their first six games, the Buffalo Sabres’ goal production has been eerily similar to last year’s corp so far this season. Their top scorers are all tied with three points in their first six games (Matt Moulson, Ryan O’Reilly, Evander Kane and Marcus Foligno).
There are a ton of players who are bound to break out eventually, as the skill level is definitely there. Specifically, Evander Kane is the player who I predict will break out of his slump very soon. Leading the team in shots (24), hits (18) and placing third (second among forwards) in TOI/game with 21:05, if Buffalo’s offense is going to pick up, Kane will be a huge part of it. If your in a league that counts PIMs and Hits, this player is a must have and his early struggles may lead other GMs in your league looking to deal him at a fraction of his actual value.
Mike Condon is a great pickup if your fantasy team is in need of starts or you play daily fantasy hockey and he will be available in most leagues. Facing a Buffalo offense that has yet to find it’s groove and playing behind a defense system that is thriving, is an ideal situation for the rookie goalie. He was stellar in his first start as a Canadien with only one goal allowed on 21 shots. Due to the fact he is a rookie, starting him is a bit of a gamble as his sample size is quite small at the professional level.
Top scorers for the Canadiens on the road last season were:
Tomas Plekanec (29 points in 41 games)
P. K. Subban (27 points in 41 games)
Brendan Gallagher and Andrei Markov (31 points in 41 and 40 games respectively)
Top scorers for the Sabres on home ice last season were:
