GAME DAY | Panthers – Canadiens: Preview, Lines, Goalies, TV, Fantasy
Jordan Lambe
Pre-game Notes and Quotes
After blowing a 2-0 lead (and not even mustering a point) in the last 7:10 in Monday night’s game against the Islanders, there is no doubt that they will be motivated heading into tonight’s game. Coach Gerard Gallant had this to say following the game: “We let them skate in the third period, we backed off too much. They took it to us. The first goal killed us. You lose a game like that (and) you’re going to be [upset].”
Nathan Beaulieu is days away from returning from injury, but had a very original way to look at the Canadiens’ bad luck in the injury department of late: “It was our team picture today and I think almost our entire back row was in St. John’s at one point this season. The injuries this year have been pretty crazy, but it has also been exciting to see the young guys step up. In my career, I also needed opportunities like that to help establish myself,”
Mark Barberio on his recent upgraded role with the Canadiens’: “When I signed here my goal was to battle for a spot at training camp, but obviously all the injuries have given me the opportunity to play more minutes. When you get an opportunity you just have to try your best to seize it,”
Although the Canadiens’ suffered through a historically terrible streak throughout majority of this season (which seems to have started after their game versus the Devils on November 28, 2015), things are starting to turn around of late. The Canadiens have won seven of their last nine games on home ice. Not to mention the fact that Carey Price is getting closer to game action every day.
While the Canadiens have a 26-14-3 record versus teams in the Eastern Conference this season, the Panthers have a 26-9-6 record against teams from the East.
So far this season, the Canadiens have a 14-6-1 record versus teams in the Atlantic division, while the Panthers have a 13-6-1 record versus teams coming from the Atlantic.
The Canadiens have maintained their place in the standings for the goals against category, as they are currently in 21st in the league, with 194 in 69 games. The Panthers have allowed 170 goals in 69 games and find themselves in 6th in the league.
The Canadiens have dropped down in the standings for the goals scored category as they are currently in 16th place in the NHL, with 187 over their first 69 games. The Panthers are 8th in this category with 194 goals scored in their first 69 games.
Matchup
Bell Centre, Montreal, QC.. | March 15, 7:30 PM ET | TV: RDS, SNE
2015-16 statistics
PANTHERS
CANADIENS
85 (9th)
Points (League rank)
70 (22nd)
38-22-9
Record
32-31-6
22-9-5
Home
19-12-3
16-13-4
Road
13-19-3
4-4-2
Last 10
4-4-2
2.81
G/G
2.71
2.46
GA/G
2.81
16.7
PP%
17.1
81.5
PK%
84.0
48.6
CF%*
52.2
48.0
CF60*
55.6
50.6
CA60*
50.8
*Advanced statistics: Score adjusted, even strength. CF%: Corsi for percentage of total CF60: Corsi For/60 minutes CA60: Corsi Against/60 minutes (via War on Ice)
Projected forward lines, defense pairings and goaltenders
Forwards
Huberdeau – Barkov – Jagr
Jokinen – Trocheck – Smith
Hudler – Bjugstad – Rau
Wilson – Howden – Shaw
Pacioretty – Galchenyuk – Andrighetto
Byron – Plekanec – Mitchell
Matteau – McCarron – Lessio
De la Rose – Danault – Brown
Expected scratches: Eller, Gallagher
