GAME DAY PREVIEW | Montreal Canadiens vs Detroit Red Wings: Preview, TV, Start Time, Statistical Match-up, Projected Lines, Starting Goalies, Keys to Victory, Habs Tickets
Game Preview
A Look Back
The Habs were outmatched by one of the top teams in the league that is preparing for playoff-style hockey. The Habs have been running on fumes for awhile and it seemed as if they had nothing left as the Canes overpowered them the entire game and sadly the Habs put up little to no fight.
Dennis Gurianov
Gurianov has played well at times in a Habs jersey. With only a few games left Gurianov has to make one final impression that will convince management to re-sign him or the Habs might let him walk this season.
Corey Schueneman
Schueneman was called up due to the injury bug hitting the Habs once again with Jordan Harris missing tonight’s game. Schueneman was lost with the flood of rookies making the Habs earlier this season. He has 21 points in 58 games for the Rocket and has been a big part of their team.
Joel Armia
The veteran forward has an expensive contract and has never managed to find consistency in his career. Staying healthy and a reset this offseason is likely in store for Armia who could be playing some of his last games in a Habs jersey.
Keys to Victory
Put up shots
The Habs put up little fight against the Canes and were out shotbadly. It’s been a long season but only 15 shots is a terrible effort as most teams average 10 shots a period and the Habs need to do a much better job tonight.
Ramp up effort
Maybe the Habs were just out of gas but the effort level that Habs fans expect wasn’t there last game. Tonight has to be different or the boos will be a lot louder tonight.
Play safe
With an injured and depleted team the Habs shouldn’t be taking many risks and need to do the high percentage play more often than not.
Statistical Matchup for Game 78
Bell Centre, Montreal, QC | April 4, 7:00 PM ET | TV: TSN2, RDS, ESPN+, BSDETX
2022-23 statistics
RED WINGS
CANADIENS
77 (22nd)
Points (rank)
66 (28th)
34-33-9
Record
30-41-6
W1
Streak
L3
4-6-0
Last 10
4-6-0
2.93 (22nd)
GF/G (rank)
2.78 (26th)
3.28 (21st)
GA/G (rank)
3.66 (27th)
21.2 (17th)
PP% (rank)
17.1 (28th)
79.0 (17th)
PK% (rank)
73.0 (30th)
49.0
Faceoff %
48.6
Pre-game
Nick Suzuki on Canadiens’ injuries
“It seems like it’s been happening to us for a couple years. It’s been pretty unlucky how things are happening to the guys and hopefully don’t happen to this many guys ever again.”
Projected Forwards, Defense and Goaltenders (subject to change)
Record: 25-19-6 GAA: 3.01 Sv%: .899 SO: 3 Alternate: Alex Nedeljkovic
Record: 0-1-0 GAA: 2.28 Sv%: .909 SO: 0 Alternate: Sam Montembeault
Game Expectations
Two original six teams facing each other is always a fun matchup even if both teams are not making the playoffs. The Habs and Red Wings always seem to have interesting games and both teams will continue to improve this off season to make next year a much tighter race in the Atlantic division. As for tonight the Habs will look to respond after a poor effort against the Canes, and the Red Wings can’t be taken lightly as they just beat the Leafs 5-2 Sunday night.
Bottom Line
With only three games remaining at the Bell Centre the Habs will want to give their fans at least one or two more wins even if it does hurt their draft position.