GAME PREVIEW | Canadiens – Ducks: Price Seeks Franchise Wins Record

By
Sam Gerber
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GAME DAY | Montreal Canadiens – Anaheim Ducks: Preview, TV,  Start Time, Statistical Match-up, Projected Lines, Starting Goalies, Keys to Victory, Tickets

Game Preview by Sam Gerber
Last game : MTL 2  SJS 5    The Canadiens came to play but Antti Niemi certainly did not. Montreal controlled much of the play but Niemi gave up two bad goals on only five shots in the first period. The fourth line was great and managed to get a goal back before the period ended. The second was just like the first, with both teams notching  ugly goals. The Sharks controlled the third period for the win. Even though the Habs played a great game it was the poor start by Niemi that sealed their fate. 

For a complete game recap: Habs Niemi Not Up to the Test

Players to watch

  • Carey Price
    Price is the back bone of this team and his teammates know when he’s back there that they have nothing to worry about. It gives the team confidence and allows them to take risks that they can’t afford to do with another goalie in the league. 
  • Jonathan Drouin
    Drouin is in the midst of another very long goal drought. Worse than his lack of contribution to the offence is his lazy effort night in and night out.
  • Jesperi Kotkaniemi
    Kotkaniemi returns to the lineup after a two-game absence. Kotkaniemi has not been as effective since Artturi Lehkonen was removed from his wing.

Keys to Victory

  • Use speed
    The Habs caused issues all game against the Sharks with their speed and they have to it again against the Ducks.
  • Clear the zone
    The Habs failed to get the puck out numerous times last game. If they do so, they can spend more time in the offensive zone.
  • Finish around the net
    The Habs out played the Sharks but were unable to finish, the Habs should have plenty of chances against the Ducks and have to capitalize this time.
Statistical Matchup by All Habs staff
Honda Center, Anaheim, CA | March 8, 10:00 PM ET | TV: TSN2, RDS, ESPN+, FS-W

2018-19 statistics
DUCKS CANADIENS
61 (27th) Points (rank) 79 (12th)
26-33-9 Record 36-25-7
13-12-8 Home/Away 17-14-3
4-6-0 Last 10 5-5-0
2.18 GF/G 3.00
3.04 GA/G 2.93
16.0 PP% 12.3
79.5 PK% 80.3
47.54  CF%  54.06
Pre-game quote
Victor Mete

  • “We’ve got to forget about [the loss to the San Jose Sharks on Thursday] as soon as we can and just focus on tonight’s game. It’s just as important.”
Projected forward lines, defense pairings and goaltenders
Forwards
Rakell – Getzlaf – Perry
Shore – Steel – Silfverberg
Ritchie – Henrique – Terry
Jones – Kesler – Rowney		 Drouin – Danault – Gallagher
 Byron – Domi – Shaw
Lehkonen – Kotkaniemi – Weal
Weise – Thompson – Armia
Defensemen
 Lindholm – Manson
Larsson – Fowler
Megna – Holzer		 Mete – Weber
Reilly – Petry
   Benn – Folin
Out of the lineup
Scratched: Sprong
Injured: Johnson, Guhle, Grant
 Scratched: Kulak, Hudon, Deslauriers, Peca, Tatar (flu)
Injured: none
Goalies
John Gibson Carey Price
Record: 18-21-8
GAA: – 2.92
Sv%: – .914
SO: 2
Alternate: Aaron Dell		 Record: 28-19-5
GAA: – 2.51
Sv%: – .917
SO: 3
Alternate: Antti Niemi
 What to Expect by Sam Gerber
The Habs have to leave California with four of a possible six points to stay in the playoff race. If the Canadiens have the same start as they did against San Jose, they should easily leave with a much needed two points.
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