For a complete game recap: Habs ‘Aren’t Quitting’ Says Coach

Players to watch

• Ilya Kovalchuk
  It was one game but Kovalchuk won over many fans. He had one assist, was a plus-2, four shots, and hits showing that he may have something left in the tank. After not playing since early November, it will be interesting to see if Kovalchuk has the same energy on the second night of a back-to-back.
• Dale Weise
  Weise is playing like his NHL career depends on it and it really does. If it weren’t for the injuries, Weise would still be in the AHL. Since being called up, Weise has used his size, helping the fourth line to be impactful.
• Ben Chiarot
  Chariot had his first career two-goal game and is five points behind his career high with half a season left to play. He has had some tough games recently but has mostly exceeded pre-season expectations.  

Keys to Victory

• Win special teams
  Giving up a short-handed goal and being shut out on the power-play is never a good sign. But the man advantage with Shea Weber and Ilya Kovalchuk gave the Habs a different look and should provide some good chances.
• Score goals
  The Habs haven’t been able to score like the beginning of the year since the injuries. The Habs depth players have been providing the offence but Phillip Danault has really been struggling to generate any offence during the losing streak.
• Limit mistakes
  The Habs continue to get victimized on their mistakes. They’ll have to do a much better job by making better decisions.