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

Sam Gerber

7 years ago

Game Preview by Sam Gerber, Staff Writer

Last game: MTL 2 EDM 6

The Canadiens came out flat against the Oilers and Carey Price did not look ready to play. After being down early by four goals, the Habs had little fight left.

For a complete recap: Oilers – Canadiens: Habs Have No Answer for Oilers Speed

Players to watch

Nico Hischier
Hischier went first overall in the 2017 NHL Entry Draft. His playmaking ability is his biggest threat. The Habs will need to have an eye on him and get sticks in the passing lanes.
Jesper Bratt
Bratt was a sixth round pick in 2016. Playing on the first line, Bratt and Hischier have been very productive.
Sami Vatanen
Vatanen has only had a handful games with his new team but will settle in soon. Vatanen gives the Devils a mobile two-way defender that they so desperately needed.

Keys to Victory

Be strong on the puck
The Devils attack in waves, and are strong on the forecheck. The Habs will need to make strong plays on the puck while under pressure.
Attack down the middle
The Devils are a little weaker down the middle after giving up Adam Henrique to get Sami Vatanen. The Canadiens are not strong at centre themselves but can take advantage of New Jersey for a shot at the win.

Take advantage of a fresh start
After the four day break in the schedule, the Canadiens have the opportunity for a fresh start. Given the time to recharge, they should come out with more energy.

Matchup by All Habs staff
Bell Centre, Montreal, QC \| December 14, 7:30 PM ET \| TV: TSN2, RDS, MSG+2
	2017-18 statistics
DEVILS	2017-18 statistics	CANADIENS
38 (10th)	Points (rank)	30 (25th)
17-9-4	Record	13-14-4
7-5-2	Away/Home	8-7-3
5-4-1	Last 10	5-3-2
3.06	GF/G	2.70
3.00	GA/G	3.16
20.43	PP%	17.82
82.72	PK%	77.66
47.12	CF%	51.39


Projected forward lines, defense pairings and goaltenders
Forwards
Bratt – Hischier – Stafford Coleman – Zajac – Gibbons Wood – Zacha – Noesen Hayes – Boyle – Lappin	Pacioretty – Danault – Byron Galchenyuk – Drouin – Shaw Hudon – Plekanec – Gallagher Deslauriers – Froese – Carr
Defensemen
Moore – Vatanen Greene – Santini Butcher – Severson	Benn – Weber Alzner – Petry Morrow – Schlemko
Out of the lineup
Scratched: Prout, Lovejoy Injured: Mueller, Johansson, Hall, Palmieri	Scratched: De La Rose, Jerabek Injured: Hemsky, Montoya, Lehkonen
Goalies
Cory Schneider	Carey Price

Record: 12-6-3 GAA: 2.63 Sv%: .920 SO: 1 Alternate: Keith Kincaid	Record: 8-9-2 GAA: 3.16 Sv%: .899 SO: 1 Alternate: Antti Niemi

What to Expect

The Devils are off to a great season thanks to their depth team. They do not have a many weaknesses and have the perfect combination of speed skill and grit.

Prediction: Canadiens 3 Devils 4

A goalie battle between Price and Schneider is to be expected.

Highlights from the NHL

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2017-18 statistics