Site icon Habs Hockey Report

Super Sunday Faceoff | PREVIEW: EDM @ MTL

Cole Jurzyniec

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 Canadiens were able to make a late comeback and steal a victory in overtime. Nick Suzuki opened the scoring mid-way through the first period, and the Islanders answered shortly after tying the match. The newcomer for the Islanders, Bo Horvat scored the lone second period goal with seconds remaining on the clock. Kirby Dach was able to net the tying goal to send the game to overtime where Mike Matheson was able to pick up a rebound and score the game winner.

Last game: MTL 4  NYI 3  F/OT

For a complete game recap: Matinee Magic | RECAP: NYI @ MTL

Players to Watch

  • Mike Hoffman
    The Ontario native has been rather streaky, however, he’s been able to contribute to the score sheet the past few games with five points on one goal and four assists. He’s been one of the few that have been included in trade rumors and is choosing the right time to get hot. Increasing his value a month before the deadline is exactly what management needs.
  • Nick Suzuki
    Against the Islanders, Suzuki was able to find mesh from Rafael Harvey-Pinard who dished the captain a tap-in. Suzuki was able to snap his eight game goalless drought.
  • Rafael Harvey-Pinard
    The 24-year-old Quebec native has not squandered his NHL opportunity and has in fact, taken full control. Before the break, Harvey-Pinard scored five goals and added an assist. Being on the top line has given him exceptional opportunity to prove his worth and he’s done exactly that.

Keys to Victory

  • Defend the zone
    It’s no secret that the Oilers are offensively gifted. The Canadiens will have to buckle up and prepare for the fast paced action and avoid getting caught flat-footed. Back-checking and fore-checking along with closing the gaps will all be keys in shutting down the opposition.
  • Limit shots
    Edmonton is known for their goal scoring prowess. Slowing the game down, taking control and jumping on every opportunity given will be a key factor in getting a win. Of course shutting down Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl can suffocate their offense.
  • Be disciplined
    The Oilers have the best ranked power play in the league. With an aggressive and fast attack, the Canadiens could easily get caught taking poor penalties. Clean hockey will be necessary.
Statistical Matchup for Game 53
Bell Centre, Montreal, QC | February 12, 12:30 PM ET | TV: TSN2, RDS, ESPN+

2022-23  statistics
OILERS CANADIENS
65 (10th) Points (rank) 46 (26th)
30-18-5 Record 21-27-4
W1 Streak W1
8-0-2 Last 10 4-5-1
3.76 (1st) GF/G (rank) 2.58 (29th)
3.15 (19th) GA/G (rank) 3.69 (28th)
31.5 (1st) PP% (rank) 15.4 (32nd)
76.1 (23rd) PK% (rank) 72.5 (30th)
49.7  Faceoff % 49.9
Pre-game Quotes
Marty St. Louis on Saturday’s goal review in overtime 
  • “I was, of course, hoping that the decision would go in our favor. I think it could have gone either way.”
Projected Forwards, Defense and Goaltenders (subject to change)
Forwards
Kane – McDavid – Ryan
McLeod – Draisaitl – Hyman
Kostin – Nugent-Hopkins – Janmark
Desharnais – Holloway – Puljujarvi		 Harvey-Pinard – Suzuki – Anderson
Hoffman – Dach – Dadonov
Armia – Dvorak – Drouin
Pezzetta – Belzile – Ylonen
Defensemen
Nurse – Ceci
Kulak – Barrie
Broberg – Bouchard		 Xhekaj – Savard
Matheson – Barron
Harris – Kovacevic
Out of the lineup
Scratched: Hamblin, Foegele, Shore,  Malone, Benson
Injured: Klefbom, Smith, Yamamoto, Murray		 Scratched: Wideman, Pitlick
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)
Goalies
Stuart Skinner Jake Allen
Record: 13-10-4
GAA: 2.84
Sv%: .916
SO: 0
Alternate: Jack Campbell		 Record: 10-17-2
GAA: 3.58
Sv%: .891
SO: 0
Alternate: Sam Montembeault
 Game Expectations
After finally breaking the reverse retro 2.0 curse, the team should be confident hosting a red hot Oilers team who are 8-0-2 in their past 10 matchups. The Canadiens will have to play a defensively-minded match while also jumping on offensive opportunities.

Bottom Line

Changes will be coming to the Canadiens very soon. With the deadline approaching March 3rd, players are playing their best game to set themselves up for a potential trade. It’s expected that known names on the list will be producing.
 Video Highlights

Follow @AllHabs on Twitter

Exit mobile version