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	2018-19 statistics	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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GAME DAY | Montreal Canadiens – Anaheim Ducks: Preview, TV, Start Time, Statistical Match-up, Projected Lines, Starting Goalies, Keys to Victory, Tickets

2018-19 statistics