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GAME PREVIEW | Canadiens – Sabres: Kinkaid Makes His Debut for Habs

Sam Gerber

GAME DAY | Montreal Canadiens vs Buffalo Sabres: Preview, TV,  Start Time, Statistical Match-up, Projected Lines, Starting Goalies, Keys to Victory, Habs Tickets

Game Preview by Sam Gerber
Last game : MTL 6  TOR 5  F/SO  The Habs came out flying, scoring in the opening minutes of the game but then the Leafs took over. Montreal was overwhelmed with both Habs rookies committing leading to goals against. After giving up a power-play goal the Habs found themselves down 4-1 after 40 minutes. The game turned when a Leafs forward threw his broken stick in frustration at Jeff Petry. The play resulted in a penalty shot and Petry made no mistake. With all the momentum going their way the Habs got the lead on another rebound goal this time by Phillip Danault. Carey Price was the best player on the ice stopping multiple breakaways in overtime and all three shootout attempts sealing the comeback win for the Habs.

For a complete game recap: Habs Complete Thrilling Comeback

Players to watch

  • Joel Armia
    Armia is one of the most underrated players on the Habs playing a consistent hard fore-checking game. He’s a team player and I believe he will have a breakout season
  • Victor Mete
    Mete needs to just get one, getting one early will do world’s for his confidence. Its no secret he is playing above where he should, while he’s doing a decent job being snake bitten in the goal column hasn’t helped.
  • Phillip Danault
    Danault certainly seems to be garnering a lot of press these days. He plays minutes against top lines while 5-on-5. The Habs being able to depend on him will be key to a successful Habs season.

Keys to Victory

  • Be disciplined
    The Habs discipline has been horrible so far this season and that needs to change. Montreal should be a team that draws more than they take and need to be that kind of team against the Sabres. 
  • Maintain a lead
    The Habs have given up the lead late in both games they’ve played this season. It cost them a point in their first game and will cost them more if they continue to blow leads.
  • Keep scoring
    The Habs offense has been balanced and clicking. With eight goals in two games the Habs depth attack has proven to be back once again and should continue to cause issues for teams lacking in depth.
Statistical Matchup by All Habs
KeyBank Center, Buffalo, NY | October 9, 7:00 PM ET | TV: SN, MSG-B, RDS

2019-20 statistics
SABRES CANADIENS
5 (6th) Points (rank) 3 (15th)
2-0-1 Record 1-0-1
1-0-0 Home/Away 1-0-1
2-0-1 Last 10 1-0-1
4.33 GF/G 4.00
2.33 GA/G 4.00
60.0 PP% 33.3
70.0 PK% 75.0
58.14  CF%  48.91
Pre-game quotes
Nate Thompson
  • “[Playing the 700th career game] is definitely a feather in my cap for me, to be able to play that many games in this League and still be playing. It’s definitely a privilege, and yeah, I’m proud of it. I’d like to play a lot more.”
Projected forward lines, defense pairings and goaltenders by All Habs staff
Forwards
Olofsson – Eichel – Reinhart
Skinner – Johansson – Sobotka
Vesey –  Mittelstadt – Rodrigues
Girgensons – Larsson – Okposo		 Tatar – Danault – Gallagher
Lehkonen – Domi – Suzuki
Drouin – Kotkaniemi – Armia
Byron – Thompson – Weal
Defensemen
Dahlin – Miller
McCabe – Ristolainen
Scandella – Jokiharju		 Mete – Weber
Chiarot – Petry
   Reilly – Folin
Out of the lineup
Scratched: Gilmour
Injured: Sheary, Bogosian, Montour
 Scratched: Kulak, Fleury
Injured: Juulsen, Teasdale, Cousins
Goalies
Carter Hutton Keith Kinkaid
Record: 2-0-0
GAA: – 1.50
Sv%: – .939
SO: 0
Alternate: Linus Ullmark		 Record: 0-0-0
GAA: – 0.00
Sv%: – .000
SO: 0
Alternate: Carey Price
 What to Expect by Sam Gerber
The Habs struggled against the Sabres last season and will have some tough games against them again this year. The Sabres are off to a great start, scoring at will, and their defense has been solid. Buffalo is likely a bubble team for the final wildcard spot similar to the Habs. With the structure of the playoffs and how tight the Atlantic Division is, the stakes are high. The Habs have to come out strong and battle to the very end. Staying out the box will be key as the Sabres power-play is second in the league right now. The game will be Keith Kinkaid’s first start for the Habs. It’s important for him to have a great first game allowing the Habs to be confident in both their goalies and to allow Price a much lower workload this season. 
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