GAME PREVIEW | Canadiens – Predators: Weber Returns to Nashville, Will Play 900th

Sam Gerber

6 years ago

GAME DAY | Canadiens – Predators: Preview, TV, Start Time, Statistical Match-up, Projected Lines, Starting Goalies, Keys to Victory, Tickets

Game Preview by Sam Gerber

Last game : MTL 3 TOR 4 (OT) For the second time this season the Canadiens lost to the Maple Leafs in overtime. It was unfortunate ending to a great hockey game that could possibly be a playoff match-up. Andrew Shaw scored an early goal to open the scoring. Montreal’s fourth line continued to struggle giving up two goals to the Leafs. The Habs dismal power-play failed to score on a four-minute opportunity and a 4-on-3 advantage in overtime. John Tavares got the overtime winner after Phillip Danault was late on coverage.

For a complete game recap: Habs Battle Leafs In Classic Tilt

Players to watch

Shea Weber
Weber will be playing in his 900th career game against his former club. It will be memorable night but expect Weber to be all business.
Andrew Shaw
Shaw made an immediate impact scoring in the opening minute, but showed some rust after making a very costly turnover against Toronto. He will want to be better against Nashville.
Dale Weise / Nate Thompson
The 4th line has been a weak link all season long. Weise will be expected to play passionately after returning to a team he loves. Thompson will bring size, faceoff prowess and help for the penalty-kill.

Keys to Victory

Use their speed
The Canadiens should have the speed advantage against Nashville to generate offence.
Put the puck in the net
The Predators don’t give up many goals but the Habs have to persevere.
Make a strong debut
The new look fourth line has to defend well, contribute to the penalty-kill and chip in with supplementary offence.

Statistical Matchup by All Habs staff
Bridgestone Arena, Nashville, TN \| February 9, 8:00 PM ET \| TV: TSN, RDS, FS-TN
	2018-19 statistics
PREDATORS	2018-19 statistics	CANADIENS
71 (8th)	Points (rank)	69 (9th)
33-21-5	Record	31-18-7
18-11-1	Home/Away	14-8-3
5-4-1	Last 10	7-1-2
3.07	GF/G	3.04
2.59	GA/G	2.89
13.1	PP%	13.5
81.3	PK%	79.3
52.58	CF%	54.25



Projected forward lines, defense pairings and goaltenders
Forwards
Forsberg – Johansen – Arvidsson Fiala – Bonino – Smith Grimaldi – Turris – Jarnkrok Sissons – Boyle – Hartman	Drouin – Danault – Gallagher Tatar – Domi – Shaw Lehkonen – Kotkaniemi – Armia Deslauriers – Thompson – Weise
Defensemen
Josi – Ellis Ekholm – Subban Hamhuis – Weber	Mete – Weber Reilly – Petry Kulak – Benn
Out of the lineup
Scratched: Gaudreau, McLeod, Irwin Injured: Salomaki, Watson (suspension)	Scratched: Peca, Hudon, Folin Injured: Byron
Goalies
Pekka Rinne	Carey Price

Record: 19-15-3 GAA: – 2.50 Sv%: – .914 SO: 3 Alternate: Juuse Saros	Record: 23-13-5 GAA: – 2.55 Sv%: – .915 SO: 3 Alternate: Antti Niemi

What to Expect by Sam Gerber

The Canadiens earned three of four points against the Maple Leafs and Jets. The tests continue this week against Nashville and Tampa Bay. The game will discussed by those still focused on the Shea Weber – P.K. Subban trade. It is evident that Weber is more important to his club than Subban is to the Preds. With Weber in the lineup the Habs are a completely different team that play with confidence and speed.Montreal would be wise to attack early disrupting Nashville from playing its game.

Highlights from the NHL

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GAME DAY | Canadiens – Predators: Preview, TV, Start Time, Statistical Match-up, Projected Lines, Starting Goalies, Keys to Victory, Tickets

2018-19 statistics