A Look Back

The Wild conquered the Canadiens having to score just twice as Cam Talbot waltzed to a  easy shut-out. It was the seventh time the Habs have been scoreless this season. Carey Price has been outstanding in his return posting a .933 save percentage in this game while  making 28 saves on 30 shots. Tyler Pitlick was the only Canadien to find the back of the net but the goal was called back due to goalie interference by Laurent Dauphin.

Last game: MTL 0  MIN 2  F

For a complete game recap: Shooting Blanks | RECAP: MIN @ MTL

Players to Watch

• Josh Anderson
  The power forward has not been producing points but has been trying to use his size and speed to get to the net. Anderson has tallied 11 shots in his past five games, but has been held to just one goal. The 27-year-old is most known for his ability to dislodge foes by using the body. Andersom has tallied 142 hits in 64 games and sits third on the team in hits behind Alexander Romanov and Michael Pezzetta.
• Tyler Pitlick
  The 30-year-old hasn’t had a chance to really settle with the team only having nine games under his belt with the club. He has posted two assists and could have had his first goal in a Canadiens sweater Tuesday night in his hometown, however, the Minnesota native had a goal called back. Look out for a fiery Pitlick as he’ll be looking to find redemption to close out the season.
• Cole Caufield
  The first-rounder has come to a screeching halt going pointless in his last five games.  Caufield has posted 38 points in 62 games played in his first full season with the club. With 14 shots in his last five games, there’s been no shortage of attempts. The power-play failure could be contributing to the winger’s scoring struggles.

Keys to Victory

• Go to the net
  This will come as no surprise, but you can’t win games without goals. The Canadiens have severely struggled to produce, being shut-out twice in a three game run.  Finding a way to spark the offense and lighting the lamp early will be key to generating momentum and getting a win. The team has not opened the scoring since Monday, April 11th against the Jets when Joel Armia potted the first goal in the second period.
• Win special teams
  The Canadiens are second-last in the NHL with a 13.2 percent power-play rate.  Following a dreadful powerplay, the Habs have allowed four goals when short-handed in their last four games. Helping Carey Price in the back end will surely give the team a chance to secure a win.
• Find balance
  The team at times has played better defensively under Marty St. Louis and at time generated offence. Right now, they are doing neither well. Finding a mix of offensive and defensive hockey will be key to finding success. The Canadiens are almost last in every categorical stat in the NHL, but it does not have to show on the ice.

Bottom Line