A Look Back

Nick Suzuki set the tone at the Bell Centre just 55 seconds into the game finding net on a power-play. The Canadiens kept their foot on the gas pedal scoring three more unanswered goals. Sam Montembeault held the fort down putting up a .939 save percentage. Arber Xhekaj picked up his second on the season and Kirby Dach scored twice to give the Habs four points on back-to-back wins.

Last game: MTL 5  VAN 2  F

For a complete game recap: Dach Delivers | RECAP: VAN @ MTL

Players to Watch

• Kirby Dach
  The 21-year-old is showing no signs of slowing down scoring twice against Vancouver. Dach has been flourishing while playing the wing with Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield.  We look forward to Dach’s continuing success when he is returned to centre.
• Arber Xhekaj
  Known for his physical presence, Xhekaj also delivers well-placed shots from the blue line. While his contributions offensively are appreciated, he’s more commonly found in the defensive zone taking the opposition off the puck. The 6-foot-4-inch defender currently sits ninth in the league with 49 hits.
• Mike Hoffman
  With three goals in the back-to-back contests, the 32-year-old will be active in and around the net and should be salivating for more. Hoffman could be discovering his goal scoring abilities again.

Keys to Victory

• Be aggressive
  The Canadiens should focus on opening the scoring and applying pressure to Pittsburgh’s top line. Nick Suzuki, Cole Caufield and Kirby Dach will have their hands full shutting down Sidney Crosby’s line. The bottom-six will have to contribute to the stat sheet to alleviate pressure.
• Help out with defensive zone coverage
  Defenders will have to be nimble and be prepared for fast-paced, energetic offensive hockey. The forwards should be prepared to help clear the defensive zone and cut down the passing lanes.
• Keep winning faceoffs
  The Canadiens are tied for 10th in the league in faceoff success rate. By winning key faceoffs, they’ll be able to dictate the pace of this game and give themselves a better look at creating chances in the offensive zone.

2022-23  statistics

• “Everyone has to be on the same wavelength and play in the best possible way. [Pittsburgh Penguins] are a team that has been dominant for years. They have good players, they are an attacking power. It’s going to be a big challenge for us, but it should be fun.”

Bottom Line