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

The Habs played their most exciting game of the season. And the fan excitement was generated primarily by the youngest player in the lineup, Jesperi Kotkaniemi. The 18-year old started the game off with a short side snipe for his first goal in the NHL and later tied the game lifting the roof off the Bell Centre. The Habs continue to surprise the league and have shown they have three lines that are capable of scoring. After tying the game at four, Alex Ovechkin found himself in the slot, puck on his stick, with under a minute to go. But then Max Domi picked his pocket went the other way, scoring the game winner. The building erupted capping off a perfect night for Kotkaniemi with a win, two goals and a first star selection.

For a complete game recap: Habs Fans Loving Kotkaniemi 

Players to watch

• Jesperi Kotkaniemi
  Kotkaniemi not only scored last game but he scored twice with his second goal tying  the game. With his confidence high, Kotkaniemi will looking to keep scoring and won’t be afraid of making mistakes.
• Max Domi
  Domi’s wiliness to be defensive reliable was the difference maker last game. It’s been obvious to me that Domi lives for the big moment and is thriving in Montreal.
• Victor Mete
  On the game tying goal, Mete was the player who flew into the zone and backed the defense off with his speed. He helped make the play happen and should do that more often.

Keys to Victory

• Keep it close
  Keeping it close against the Lightning will be tricky but also a good test for this young team.
• Execute on special teams
  The Lightning have a number of talented shooters on their team who always find space on the power-play.
• Feed off the crowd
  The excitement level during Thursday’s game was off the charts in the Bell Centre. The Canadiens need to stoke that energy with and good start, then feed off the emotion to stay with the Lightning.