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

A Look Back

It was an awful first period from the Canadiens from which, they couldn’t come back. It wasn’t one of the Habs best efforts. Jake Allen wasn’t sharp and Victor Mete struggled in this one and was benched in the third. The later is a problematic situation that was not resolved last off-season and needs to be addressed preferably before the deadline.

Last game: MTL 2  WPG 4  F

For a complete game recap: Jets @ Canadiens: Early Mistakes Cost Habs

Players to Watch

• Nick Suzuki
  Habs desperately need some scoring and Suzuki is a player that can definitely provide that. Known for being a play-maker, Suzuki can be an elite player for the Habs if he is a consistent threat to finish.
• Corey Perry
  Perry was at it once again last game who has really filled in as the pest for Gallagher. Hopefully he can spark his team and keep up his play.
• Otto Leskinen
  Leskinen is very deserving of being recalled for his first game action with the Canadiens this season. Leskinen has played extremely well for Laval with 14 points in 23 games and a plus-13 rating.

Keys to Victory

• Execute zone exits
  The Habs struggled once again with zone time and its becoming a theme, two quick sharp passes to start the breakout need to be executed the first time so the Habs don’t get stuck in their zone.
• Get a good start
  A new strategy is needed for the breakout of the power-play. The common drop pass to the last guy does not work for the Habs. It just shows to key how important it is to win that offensive zone faceoff.
• Win special teams
  The Habs haven’t been ready to start the game, recently. It’s inexcusable and impossible to constantly play from behind. Hopefully the Habs are ready right from puck drop. 

2020-21 statistics

• “We need a bounce-back game, that’s for sure. We need to come out and have a great start. That hasn’t been there the last couple of games. What’s going to control the game tonight is that first shift and making sure we get all four lines going at the same time and keep working at it.”

Bottom Line

The Habs came close to forcing overtime against the Jets after not playing their best game. If the Habs can put it together with a much better effort they can beat any team in the league.