Game Preview: Winnipeg Jets vs Montreal Canadiens (Game 5)

By Santino Fasulo, Staff Writer, All Habs Hockey Magazine

MONTREAL, QC – Heading into Tuesday night’s contest, the Canadiens and Jets are both riding three game winning streaks. This game figures to be a fast paced, entertaining game as both teams look to extend their streak.

Monday January 28th will be a day to remember in Habs land. The day started off with some exciting news as the Montreal Canadiens announced that rookies Alex Galchenyuk and Brendan Gallagher would remain with the team for the rest of the season. While this news was extremely popular among fans, it was later overshadowed by the announcement of P.K. Subban finally agreeing to a two-year deal. It was a day filled with exciting news as the team seems to be shaping up quickly.

The Jets on the other hand, are riding a high at the moment after completing a come from behind overtime win against the New York Islanders on Sunday. During their three game winning streak, the Jets have received significant offensive production from Dustin Byfuglien, Tobias Enstrom, and power forward Evander Kane. They are hoping to continue putting the puck in the net against a Canadiens team that has allowed an NHL low seven goals on the season so far.

Habs keys for the game :

1. Special Teams : The Canadiens hold the edge on both the power-play and penalty-killing in this matchup. Special teams figures to play a big role in this one and the Habs will want to get their PP going early.
2. Goaltending : Both goalies in this matchup have been great to start the season. Carey Price can be the difference if he continues his stellar play.
3. Attack the point : The Jets are known for producing offense from the back end with their two big guns Enstrom & Byfuglien. Canadiens will want to be aggressive in attacking the defensemen and limit the shots from the point.

Jets keys for the game :

1. Penalty Kill : The Canadiens have been converting 27.3 per cent of their opportunities on the PP. If the Jets want to stay in this one, they’ll need to limit their penalties and be better than their 23rd ranked PK.
2. Quick Start : Any team that goes into the Bell Centre wants to come out flying and score the first goal. Eliminating the crowd impact in this one will be huge for the Jets.
3. Establish Physical Edge : The Jets are known for their big punishing forwards and they will want to impose their physical presence early in this one.

Head to Head Record (last 8 games)

The Canadiens currently hold an edge in the head to head matchup vs the Jets. The Habs are 5-3 in their last eight contests against the Jets.

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Key Injuries

Jets :

• Zach Bogosian – Wrist – IR
• Anti Miettinen – Upper Body – IR

Habs :

• Petteri Nokelainen – Shoulder – IR
• Max Pacioretty – Appendectomy – IR

Lineups

Watch for GameDay for Devils and Habs lineups.

Fantasy Analysis

From a fantasy perspective, here are some players from each side that could help you in this matchup.

• Alex Galchenyuk (Montreal Canadiens): Rookie center had 2 assists vs Devils and has been playing with more confidence.
• Andrei Markov (Montreal Canadiens): Leads all NHL defensemen with 4 goals. Has been dominant on the PP.
• Carey Price (Montreal Canadiens): Has only allowed 7 goals through 4 games, displaying extreme confidence.
  
• Evander Kane (Winnipeg Jets): Has 6 points in his last 3 games, will look to keep streak alive.
• Dustin Byfuglien (Winnipeg Jets): 2nd only to Markov amongst all NHL D-men with 3 Power Play goals.

Writer’s Prediction

The Montreal Canadiens win 4-3 in a shootout.