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

Sam Gerber
Game Preview by Sam Gerber, Staff Writer
Last game: LAK 4 MTL 0

The Canadiens outshot the Kings 18-6 in the first period but gave up two goals, 11 seconds apart in the final minute of the period. The Habs never rebounded with self-inflicted mistakes leading to two additional goals by Los Angeles.

For a complete recap: Kings – Canadiens: Habs Shooters Come Up Empty Again

Players to watch

  • Chris Krieder
    Perhaps Kreider is best known for running into goalies. Kreider’s style of play is fast and physical, drawing the attention of his opponents.
  • Max Pacioretty
    Pacioretty has been playing a more physical style of hockey of late, leading to good scoring chances. If he continues, Pacioretty should get some open looks on net.
  •  Mika Zibanejad
    Zibanejad has eight points in the season already, and scored one of the goals for the Rangers the first time these teams met this season. Zibanejad is good at finding the open space, the Habs will have to keep an eye out for him while he’s on the ice.
  •  Charles Hudon
    Hudon continues to get shots on goal but he has not taken the puck to the net since early in the season. It’s only a matter of time until he scores his first NHL goal.

Keys to Victory

  • Get to the net
    Goals haven’t come easy this season. The Canadiens need to help themselves by driving to the goal.
  • Be disciplined
    The Canadiens will not only have to watch the penalties but convert their chances when given an opportunity with the man advantage. 
  • Keep up the forecheck
    Seems to me that the Canadiens forecheck has been good early in the game but disappears when trailing.
Matchup 
Bell Centre, Montreal, QC | October 28, 7:00 PM ET | TV: SN1, CITY, TVA, MSG, NHLN

2017-18 statistics
RANGERS CANADIENS
15 (2nd) Points (rank) 5 (30th)
3-6-2 Record 2-7-1
0-2-0 Away/Home 1-2-1
3-5-2 Last 10 2-7-1
2.73 GF/G 1.70
3.36 GA/G 3.80
18.6 PP% 12.2
76.9 PK% 78.8
 49.08  CF%  54.23
 
Projected forward lines, defense pairings and goaltenders
Forwards
Nash – Zibanejad – Miller
Kreider – Desharnais – Zuccarello
Vesey – Hayes – Fast
Grabner – Nieves – Buchnevich		 Lehkonen – Drouin – Byron
Pacioretty – Danault – Shaw
Hudon – Plekanec – Gallagher 
Galchenyuk – McCarron – Mitchell
Defensemen
McDonagh – Smith
Staal – Shattenkirk
Skjei – Holden		 Mete – Weber
Alzner – Benn
Davidson – Petry
Out of the lineup
Scratched: Kampfer, Carey
Injured: none		 Scratched: De La Rose, Morrow
Injured: Hemsky, Schlemko, Scherbak
Goalies
Ondrej Pavelec Carey Price
Record: 1-2-0
GAA: 3.08
Sv%: .889
SO: 0
Alternate: Henrik Lundqvist		 Record: 2-6-1
GAA: 3.60
Sv%: .887
SO: 0
Alternate: Al Montoya
 What to Expect
The Rangers and Habs have had rough starts to the season. Neither team can score goals. Look for a defensive and physical game, with players not giving an inch.

Prediction: Canadiens 2 Rangers 1

Both teams need points desperately and will likely battle for the extra point in overtime or the shootout.
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