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

The Habs had a hot start executing their game plan on all cylinders, leaving them with a 3-1 lead after the first. In the second they completely fell apart with the Sens scoring twice. The third period both teams played conservatively trying to act least get one point, and in overtime the Canadiens were beaten consistently to the puck. After stopping the Senators from an almost sure goal, Phillip Danault lost another defensive zone faceoff. Mark Stone was left uncovered and proceeded to one-time a perfect shot off the post. Montreal headed home knowing that they let this one get away.

For a complete game recap: Sens Squeeze Past Habs in OT

Players to watch

• Victor Mete
  After being a healthy scratch last game, Mete jumps back into the line-up for Karl Alzner. His speed is the biggest reason he’s able to play in the NHL something he’ll need to use a lot more to keep his spot. 
• Paul Byron
  Byron is always a little more motivated to play the Flames given that they were the team that placed him on waivers. Byron will defiantly be involved early and will do his best to control his emotions.
• Carey Price
  Price will have another opportunity to tie Patrick Roy for second in all-time wins for the Canadiens. Despite the chatter from the usual haters, Price has had an excellent start to the season.

Keys to Victory

• Win faceoffs
  The Habs have been terrible on faceoffs, sitting last in the league. It has started to be a factor in games. If the centers can’t win a faceoff clean, they will be tying up their opponent more and the wingers have to jump in to help.
• Use your speed
  The Flames top line is one of the fastest in the NHL and the Habs will need to be ready for it, countering with their speed won’t be enough. Disrupting the first line in the neutral zone before they can use their speed is the best thing the Habs can do.
• Fix the power-play
  The Habs have have managed to get a power-play goal the last few games but it hasn’t been pretty. It starts with the faceoff, if the Habs can control of the dot they do alright. If they don’t they spend half the power-play chasing the puck down the ice. Once they have control, they need to keep it simple.