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

The Canadiens losing streak continued as the team gave up another later period goal. The Habs gave up two goals in the first and the second was a stand-still. Montreal  started a comeback when Andrew Shaw banged in a rebound after an end-to-end rush by Jonathan Drouin. Drouin was credited with the goal. The Habs tied the game with Tomas Tatar scoring a power-play goal. With a brand new game and time running out,  Drouin needlessly took a double minor for high-sticking penalty which cost his team the game. 

For a complete game recap: Late Penalty Ends Habs Comeback Bid

Players to watch

• Shea Weber
  Weber returns after having off two off-season surgeries, He’s weeks ahead of schedule but expected to be rusty. For the last month, Weber has been skating including participating in contact drills for the last two weeks. Most players would ease back into action, but most players aren’t Shea Weber and Weber plays his game no matter the circumstances.
• Jeff Petry
  Petry went above what was expected of him during Weber’s absence> Petry showed that he can be a top-pairing defenseman in a pinch. The last week he logged heavy minutes and his game did take a bit of a decline. With Weber back, Petry’s minutes will slowly go down to a more comfortable level as Weber’s rust wears off. The move completely changes the Habs defense and should result in a much better team goal differential for the rest of the season.
• Artturi Lehkonen
  Artturi Lehkonen – Lehkonen is on pace to put up a career best in points if he remains healthy. But there’s more to Lehkonen’s game than what is on the scoresheet. With his contract up at the end of this season Lehkonen knows he has to up his game if he wants to up his value.  

Keys to Victory

• Shoot the puck
  The Habs continue to pass up good scoring chances to make the perfect play. Shots on net with traffic in front will be key.
• Be physical
  With the addition of Weber the Habs are going to be a much more physical team which should make them a much harder team to play against.
• Use your speed
  The Habs are one of the faster teams in the league. During this losing streak they have gotten off their game and haven’t used their speed to their advantage.