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Montembeault to Start | PREVIEW: MTL @ CAR

Cole Jurzyniec

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

Game Preview 

A Look Back

The Canadiens remain undefeated in the month of February after securing their third win in a row. Justin Barron commenced the scoring with a well-placed wrist shot from the blue line on a Canadiens power play. Joel Armia picked up a goal and an assist on the night. Jonathan Drouin found three assists and Jake Allen made 22 saves for his first shut-out of the season.

Last game: MTL 4  CHI 0  F

For a complete game recap: Shutout for Allen | RECAP: CHI @ MTL

Players to Watch

  • Joel Armia
    The 6-foot-3-inch Finn had a slow start to the season but, as of late, has found an extra gear. Armia has potted a goal and gathered three assists in the last three games. With signs of improvement, he’ll be looking to close out the season strong.
  • Jonathan Drouin
    The 27-year-old Quebec native has had a tough season in the goal-scoring department but certainly hasn’t lacked in picking up apples. With his three assists Tuesday night against Chicago, he’s tallied up five assists in the last two games.
  • Justin Barron
    The Nova Scotian defender has tapped into his offensive abilities finding two goals in the past three games. Barron has also taken his NHL opportunity and is making the most of it. He’s looked great bolstering the blue line and has added a sense of offense to his game.

Keys to Victory

  • Man the fort
    The Canadiens defense corps did a commendable job in the back-end against the Blackhawks limiting them to 22 shots. They played a big part in helping Jake Allen to get a shut out. This type of gameplay will be key against Carolina.
  • Maintain pace of play
    The Hurricanes play a fast paced, quick rotational style of hockey. The Habs will need to focus on shutting down the neutral zone and applying constant pressure defensively.
  • Use the body
    The Canadiens have found success in controlling the game when utilizing the body to disarm the opposition. With the loss of Arber Xhekaj, it certainly hurts the team in this area, but they still have players who can manage this role.
Statistical Matchup for Game 55
PNC Arena, Raleigh, NC | February 16, 7:00 PM ET | TV: TSN2, RDS, ESPN+, BSSO

2022-23  statistics
HURRICANES CANADIENS
78 (2nd) Points (rank) 50 (26th)
35-10-8 Record 23-27-4
W1 Streak W3
8-1-1 Last 10 5-4-1
3.30 (10th) GF/G (rank) 2.67 (28th)
2.68 (7th) GA/G (rank) 3.59 (26th)
20.2 (20th) PP% (rank) 16.7 (28th)
81.8 (7th) PK% (rank) 73.4 (29th)
53.0  Faceoff % 49.5
Pre-game 
Cam Ward Night 
  • The Carolina Hurricanes will honor and celebrate the career of goaltender Cam Ward pre-game.
Projected Forwards, Defense and Goaltenders (subject to change)
Forwards
Teravainen – Aho – Jarvis
Svechnikov – Kotkaniemi – Necas
Martinook – Staal – Fast
Noesen – Stastny – Stepan		 Harvey-Pinard – Suzuki – Anderson
Dadonov – Belzile – Hoffman
Armia – Dvorak – Drouin
Pezzetta – Pitlick – Ylonen
Defensemen
Slavin – Burns
Skjei – Pesce
DeHaan – Chatfield		 Harris – Savard
Matheson – Barron
Wideman – Kovacevic
Out of the lineup
Scratched: Coghlan
Injured: Gardiner, Kase, Pacioretty		 Scratched:
Injured: Byron (hip), Price (knee), Monahan (lower-body), Guhle (lower-body), Gallagher (lower-body), Evans (lower-body), Slafkovsky (lower-body), Caufield (shoulder), Edmundson (upper-body), Xhekaj (upper-body), Dach (illness)
Goalies
Antti Raanta Sam Montembeault
Record: 13-2-3
GAA: 2.46
Sv%: .902
SO: 2
Alternate: Frederik Andersen		 Record: 11-10-2
GAA: 3.17
Sv%: .909
SO: 0
Alternate: Jake Allen
 Game Expectations
As the Canadiens roll into Raleigh on a three game winning streak, their confidence should be sky-high. With continued contributions from the bottom-six and recent defensive goal scoring abilities, the Canadiens should hone in on their recent success and dismantle a hot Hurricanes team.

Bottom Line

Players are starting to find their rhythm With the trade deadline looming and market heating up guys will be playing with a chip on their shoulder to set themselves up for the future as moves are expected.
 Video Highlights

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