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

Sam Gerber

6 years ago

Game Preview by Sam Gerber

Last game : MTL 2 VAN 0 The Canadiens started 2019 off just how they ended 2018. Carey Price came back from some much needed rest and posted his second shutout of the season with a phenomenal performance. From the second period on, Price was the difference maker as the Habs were outshot badly. Price made highlight reel saves covering bad Habs turnovers. Jordie Benn continued his strong play of late scoring another goal which was the game-winner.

For a complete game recap: Price is Brilliant as Habs Blank Canucks

Players to watch

Shea Weber
Weber has 11 points in 17 games since his return to the line-up. The Canadiens have only lost six games in that time showing just how dominant Weber has been for his team.
Jonathan Drouin
Drouin continues to put up points, 33 so far this season, and is on pace to beat his career best. All is rosy while the winger has the puck on his stick but he remains one of the most disengaged players in the NHL without the puck. That must change.
Max Domi
Domi had a great start to the season and was one of the best players in October. Since then his has gone through several offensive droughts. His frustration showed last game, as he took a bad penalty shortly after a non-call that left a mark. Domi is an emotional player but must learn to channel those emotions.

Keys to Victory

Execute with the man advantage
Going up against one of the toughest teams from the West, the Canadiens have to be sharp and their power-play has to make a difference.
Maintain focus
The Habs have to focus on the task at hand not worry about settling past scores.
Use speed
The Habs speed has been featured recently and resulted in goals. Montreal must continue using their biggest weapon and catch the Predators flatfooted.

Matchup by All Habs staff
Bell Centre, Montreal, QC \| January 5, 7:00 PM ET \| TV: SN360, TVA, CITY, SNE, ESPN+, FS-TN
	2018-19 statistics
PREDATORS	2018-19 statistics	CANADIENS
51 (8th)	Points (rank)	49 (13th)
24-15-3	Record	22-14-5
9-8-3	Away/Home	11-7-2
3-5-2	Last 10	7-3-0
3.00	GF/G	3.12
2.55	GA/G	3.12
14.8	PP%	13.1
81.4	PK%	77.4
53.15	CF%	54.33



Projected forward lines, defense pairings and goaltenders
Forwards
Hartman – Johansen – Arvidsson Fiala – Jarnkrok – Smith Di Giuseppe – Bonino – Watson Salomaki – Gaudreau – Grimaldi	Drouin – Domi – Byron Tatar – Danault – Gallagher Lehkonen – Kotkaniemi – Armia Agostino – Chaput – Deslauriers
Defensemen
Josi – Ellis Ekholm – Subban Hamhuis – Bitetto	Mete – Weber Reilly – Petry Kulak – Benn
Out of the lineup
Scratched: Rinaldo, Irwin, Baptiste Injured: Forsberg, Sissons, Weber, Turris	Scratched: Peca, Hudon, Alzner Injured: Shaw, Schlemko
Goalies
Juuse Saros	Carey Price

Record: 9-5-1 GAA: – 2.83 Sv%: – .903 SO: 2 Alternate: Pekka Rinne	Record: 16-10-4 GAA: – 2.75 Sv%: – .908 SO: 2 Alternate: Antti Niemi

What to Expect by Sam Gerber

It’s time to move on and end all discussion about a trade that happened almost three years ago. The Canadiens are having a great season and the games are going to be a lot tougher from now on, every point matters. The Habs must continue their strong play to stay ahead of a surging New York Islanders team. Realistically, Montreal can grab a wildcard spot but a late season surge could mix-up the tight Atlantic division and a win against a top tier opponent in Nashville is how to start.

Highlights from the NHL

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2018-19 statistics