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Oilers @ Canadiens: Habs Return to the Ice | PREVIEW

Sam Gerber

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

Game Preview

A Look Back

The Habs were shut down for the past week as a result of two Canadiens players being in the league’s COVID protocols. As of now, Joel Armia remains on the list. During the past week the Habs acquired veteran centre Eric Staal. It is a great depth move that could see Staal provide leadership for the Habs young centres. Tyler Toffoli is out and  will likely be back by the end of the week. Ben Chariot could be back from his broken hand sooner rather than expected.

Last game: MTL 5  VAN  4  F/SO

For a complete game recap: Canucks @ Canadiens: Tatar, Price Shootout Heroes

Players to Watch

  • Shea Weber 
    The Habs upcoming schedule is going to be unkind to the entire team but with Ben Chiarot’s injury, the Canadiens will have to lean on Weber more than ever.
  • Nick Suzuki
    Suzuki has 20 points in 31 games this season so far following last season’s finish of 41 points. Projected over 82 games, Suzuki is on a similar pace. The sophomore slump is something to be concerned about but he seems to be handling the challenge well.
  • Michael Frolik
    The long awaited debut for depth winger Frolik has finally come. Frolik has been on his own for a majority of the season and plans to make this game count to stay in the lineup for the rest of the season.

Keys to Victory

  • Get off to a quick start
    After a week off the Habs are playing a hot Oilers team and will want a really quick start to get settled early in the game.
  • Use depth
    With a few injuries to key players, the Habs depth will be tested. It will be key for players to step up and make the most of their opportunities.
  • Win special teams
    The power-play has been good for the Habs this season and will be needed as they strive for a playoff spot. The penalty-kill needs improvement.  
Statistical Matchup
Bell Centre, Montreal, QC | March 30, 7:00 PM ET | TV: TSN2, RDS, SNW

2020-21 statistics
OILERS CANADIENS
45 (10th) Points (rank) 37 (16th)
22-13-1 Record 14-8-9
10-5-1 Away/Home 6-5-2
7-2-1 Last 10 4-2-4
3.39 GF/G 3.19
2.86 GA/G 2.71
26.6 (5th) PP% (rank) 23.8 (9th)
76.7 (21st) PK% (rank) 76.4 (22nd)
49.40  CF% 55.51
Pre-game Quotes
Michael Frolik
  • “It’s been hard. It’s been tough. I tried to keep getting ready. I waited a little longer than I wished, but tonight I’m going to be in. I think I’m ready. Everything that happened last week didn’t help much, but we had two practices and I felt good out there. I’ve been waiting for this chance, so hopefully it’s going to go well.”
Projected Forwards, Defense and Goaltenders (subject to change)
Forwards
Draisaitl – McDavid – Puljujarvi
Turris – Nugent-Hopkins – Yamamoto
Ennis – Haas – Kassian
Shore – Khaira – Archibald		 Drouin – Suzuki – Anderson
Tatar – Danault – Gallagher
Byron – Kotkaniemi – Lehkonen
Frolik – Evans – Perry
Defensemen
Nurse – Barrie
Lagesson – Larsson
Russell – Bear		 Edmundson – Weber
Kulak – Petry
Romanov – Mete
Out of the lineup
Scratched: Jones, Neal, Chiasson, Kahun, Nygard
Injured: Koekkoek
 Scratched: Ouellet
Injured: Chiarot (hand), Toffoli (lower-body), Armia (COVID protocol), Staal (COVID protocol)
Goalies
Mikko Koskinen Carey Price
Record: 9-10-0
GAA: – 3.11
Sv%: – .903
SO: 0
Alternate: Mike Smith		 Record: 10-5-5
GAA: – 2.71
Sv%: – .903
SO: 0
Alternate: Jake Allen
 Game Expectations
The Oilers have got seven out of a possible eight points in their last four games and are only two points away from first in the Canadian Division. The Habs remaining schedule is going to be difficult with 26 games in 43 nights. The Habs need these points as they have a two point lead for the fourth place in the division with both the Flames and Canucks right behind them.

Bottom Line

A rested Carey Price will get the start and needs to be the Price we have been blessed with the last several seasons for the Habs to get through this tough schedule.
 Video Highlights

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