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

The Canadiens had a great opportunity to get the go-ahead goal late in third period with a lengthy 5-on-3 advantage. A Habs veteran made a poor decision to force a shot, resulting in a breakaway by Taylor Hall coming out of the penalty box.

For a complete recap: Habs Continue their Slide

Players to watch

• Nikolaj Ehlers
  With the Jets having such a juggernaut offense Ehlers kind of stays under the radar. Ehlers is one of the fastest players in the NHL with the puck and is a big part of the Jets offense.
• Paul Stastny
  Stastny was a surprising acquisition at the trade deadline, and was a great move to solidify the Jets down the middle. Stastny is a veteran who is good at the faceoff dot and can win battles for Winnipeg in the playoffs.
• Michael McCarron
  McCarron has played very well over the last few games bringing a responsible game and a physical presence. McCarron always finishes his checks and is doing a good job creating turnovers.

Keys to Victory

• Be physical
  The Jets play a fast, physical game. Montreal will have to match their effort and finish their checks.
• Keep it close
  Price will do all he can to keep the Canadiens in the game. He’ll need some help against the Jets potent offense.
• Get pucks to the net
  The Habs can count their blessings that they are not facing Connor Hellebuyck in goal for the Jets. They need to take advantage but getting shots on goal and driving to the net to create traffic and battle for rebounds.

The Jets have one of the scariest offenses in the NHL and the Habs will be in tough. Staying out of the box will be big for the Habs, and if they can disrupt the rush in the neutral zone, they have a chance. That said, Winnipeg has a lot of weapons.