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

A Look Back

It was another competitive game for the Habs as only a handful of games remain and the Habs continue to play hockey that is enjoyable for Habs fans to watch. While yes the games are meaningless the Habs are showing they are having fun and will continue to battle right to the final buzzer. Cayden Primeau stopped 24 of 26 shots and looked more comfortable in the net than in many of his previous NHL games.

Last game: MTL 2  PHI 3  F

For a complete game recap: Farrell Makes NHL Debut | RECAP: MTL @ PHI

Players to Watch

• Raphael Harvey-Pinard
  Harvey-Pinard has become Gallagher 2.0 and it’s a suitable title as Harvey-Pinard looked up to Gallagher as a junior player and now gets to play right alongside him. Hopefully Harvey-Pinard can replicate a similar career as Gallagher but also stay healthy as he continues to get pushed around.
• Brendan Gallagher
  Speaking of Gallagher, he has goals in three straight games and looks to finally be healthy. While the season is almost over, a healthy offseason for Gallagher to get his body back to pain free will do wonders for a player who the Habs missed but also may have lost his game and spot in Montreal this season.
• Nick Suzuki
  It’s Captain Nick Suzuki bobblehead night at the Bell Centre and he’ll be wanting to put on a show and break his career high in points as he sits tied at 61 points.

Keys to Victory

• Start quickly
  The Habs need to get off to an early start and catch a Panthers team off guard that played last night. An early start will do wonders for the Habs as the Panthers need almost every win to make the playoffs and the pressure will be on them quickly if they fall behind.
• Skate hard
  Another way to take advantage of a team on a back to back is to skate.The Panthers played a heavy game last night and will want to make this a tight check game if the Habs can keep skating they should be able to control the game.
• Win battles
  Teams design plays to take advantage of an opponent’s weakest guy on the ice which makes one-on-one battles one of the most important things each game. If the Habs can win their battles and play strong defensively they should have a good chance at getting the win.

2022-23  statistics

• “I played a shift with [Sean Farrel] last game and he almost found me backdoor so I’m looking forward to it! I know he’s a skilled player, smart guy and hopefully Gally and I can compliment him.”

Bottom Line