GAME DAY PREVIEW | Montreal Canadiens vs Tampa Bay Lightning: Preview, TV, Start Time, Statistical Match-up, Projected Lines, Starting Goalies, Keys to Victory, Habs Tickets
Game Preview
A Look Back
The Habs were heavily outmatched once again and didn’t have an answer. It started early as the Canes scored on the powerplay and got a late goal in the final 20 seconds of the first period. The Habs were stifled and the offence wasn’t anywhere to be found the whole game.
Jordan Harris
Fresh after signing his new Habs contract, Harris begins his NHL career. Harris is an extremely mobile defender who has a high hockey IQ. It will be exiting to see how he responds to the NHL game.
Cole Caufield
While the Calder Trophy is likely out of reach, if Caufield can have another strong month in April, he could make the final vote for the Calder interesting.
Ryan Poehling
After an injury setback, Poehling will make his return back to the lineup. A strong finish to the season will be key going into next season for Poehling.
Keys to Victory
Control the play
The Habs have been outplayed the last few games going up against some of the league’s best teams. It won’t be any easier against the defending Stanley Cup champions but the Habs need to be able to control the game.
Generate shots
The Habs have to do a much better job generating shots and high danger shots as well.
Forecheck the Bolts
The Habs can still work on a lot of things and build on them for next season. A much better forecheck creating turnovers is needed.
Statistical Matchup for Game 69
Amalie Arena, Tampa, FL | April 2, 7:00 PM ET | TV: SNE, CITY, TVAS, NHLN, BSSUN
2021-22 statistics
LIGHTNING
CANADIENS
92 (7th)
Points (rank)
47 (32nd)
43-18-6
Record
18-39-11
W4
Streak
L2
6-4-0
Last 10
3-4-3
3.31 (9th)
GF/G (rank)
2.52 (32nd)
2.73 (7th)
GA/G (rank)
3.77 (31st)
21.5 (15th)
PP% (rank)
13.6 (31st)
81.3 (9th)
PK% (rank)
74.9 (27th)
50.1
Faceoff %
48.2
Pre-game Quotes
Jordan Harris
“Talk about getting thrown into the fire, but I’m very excited about that. They’re a very talented team. I’m just going to try to do my best out there to help.”
Projected Forwards, Defense and Goaltenders (subject to change)
Forwards
Stamkos – Point – Kucherov
Palat – Cirelli – Killorn
Hagel – Colton – Paul
Maroon – Bellemare – Perry
R. Pitlick – Suzuki – Caufield
Hoffman – Evans – Anderson
Byron – Dvorak – Armia
T. Pitlick – Poehling – Ylonen
Record: 7-3-2 GAA: 2.38 Sv%: .916 SO: 0 Alternate: Andrei Vasilevskiy
Record: 7-19-4 GAA: 3.19 Sv%: .907 SO: 2 Alternate: Sam Montembeault
Game Expectations
The Habs are back at the bottom of the league after getting only three wins in their last 10. A tough season is almost over but the Habs need to finish strong. They’re likely going to have a tough game against the Lightning who are in the middle of a battle to stay out of the wildcard.
Bottom Line
The Lightning need this win a lot more than the Habs but Montreal needs to show they can only keep up with one of the best teams in the league.