Montreal Canadiens Game Preview: Don’t Fall for the Trap!

The Montreal Canadiens will be looking to make it three in a row as they take on the Vegas Golden Knights for the first time ever.

There’s no place like home for the Montreal Canadiens. After already going on three road trips so far this season, the Habs will be at the Bell Center for the next six games. No matter the result, this game will be in the history books as it will be the first contest against the Vegas Golden Knights.

Claude Julien is sticking to what’s been working. The top line of Alex Galchenyuk, Jonathan Drouin, and Artturi Lehkonen have been putting in a lot of work for the team as of late. Additionally, Charlie Lindgren will be getting his second straight start after shutting out the Chicago Blackhawks on Sunday. It will be another few days before Carey Price is ready to return to action, but Montreal’s goaltending is in good hands until then.

All signs point to a Habs win. This will be the second half of a back-to-back for Vegas who fell in a shootout to the Toronto Maple Leaf the night before. Additionally, they’re an expansion team and aren’t expected to do much this season.

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However, this is the definition of a trap game. The Golden Knights have had a historic start to their season and have risen to be one of the hardest working teams in the NHL right now.

The one thing that will tip the scale in the Habs favour is the goaltending. Maxime Lagace played the night before and he may have to play again for this one. If not, 19-year-old emergency call up Dylan Ferguson might make his NHL debut.

Montreal needs to get on Vegas early and quick in this game. At the same time, they have to limit the number of chances they give up as the Golden Knights have been one of the most offensive teams in the league.

Another win will bring the Montreal Canadiens closer to a playoff spot. The Eastern Conference won’t stay as clustered forever and because of that, distance has to start being made.

Next: What to Do With Lindgren

What are your predictions for the game? Can the Habs pull this one off? Let us know in the comments.