Montreal Canadiens Game Day: Avoid the Sabres trap at all costs
By Omar L
It’s the first half of a back-to-back for the Montreal Canadiens as they take on the Buffalo Sabres which could have signs of being a trap.
[Insert the ‘It’s a Trap’ GIF]. All jokes aside, this definitely feels like a trap game doesn’t it? The Montreal Canadiens put up consistent efforts against the Philadelphia Flyers and New York Islanders. The latter of the two games was more impressive as the Habs were able to capitalize on the Islanders’ defensive miscues and produce on the powerplay.
Jonathan Drouin had a good effort that game as well. It goes beyond the fact that he appeared on the scoresheet. He dug in more and stood out to help create on his line. Additionally, the decision to have Drouin play below the goal line on the man advantage was a good one and resulted in the first goal of the game.
The Habs are in a playoff spot currently and they’ll need another win to keep that going. What isn’t a good look or feeling heading into tonight is that the Sabres have the season series.
Buffalo has won all three games against the Montreal Canadiens this year, however, the last two were overtime victories. It wouldn’t be surprising to see the game go close but the Habs need every point they can get and can’t afford to lose them to teams who aren’t playing for anything.
Montreal Canadiens
Forward Lines
Tomas Tatar – Phillip Danault – Brendan Gallagher
Artturi Lehkonen – Max Domi – Andrew Shaw
Jonathan Drouin – Jesperi Kotkaniemi – Joel Armia
Paul Byron – Nate Thompson – Jordan Weal
Defence Pairs
Victor Mete – Shea Weber
Brett Kulak – Jeff Petry
Jordie Benn – Christian Folin
Goaltenders
The Sabres have their ‘spoiler’ sunglasses on as it’ll be another season for them without the playoffs. Regardless of their team play, they still have producing stars including Jeff Skinner and Jack Eichel who’s frustration is pouring out into his play with every passing game.
Buffalo has also recently welcomed 2016 first-round pick Alex Nylander to the forward lineup. He scored his first goal of the season against the Toronto Maple Leafs and is looking for that step to become a full-time NHLer. Nylander also had two primary assists in the team’s game against St. Louis making him a name to look out for, especially on the top line.
Buffalo Sabres
Forward Lines
Conor Sheary – Jack Eichel – Alexander Nylander
Jeff Skinner – Evan Rodrigues – Jason Pominville
Vladimir Sobotka – Casey Mittelstadt – Sam Reinhart
Zemgus Girgensons – Johan Larson – Kyle Okposo
Defence Pairs
Zach Bogosian – Rasmus Ristolainen
Rasmus Dahlin – Brandon Montour
Marco Scandella – Casey Nelson
Goaltenders
The cards are in Montreal’s favour and at the same time, they aren’t. They have the momentum wave behind them but the Sabres do play the Habs hard. If anything, it’ll be another test for a team who needs to fight to get to where they want to be.
Next. Ensuring a Ticket to the Playoffs. dark
What Does the Scoreboard Say?
New York Islanders vs. Philadephia Flyers
- The Flyers aren’t done yet and their five-point window is a threat to both the Columbus Blue Jackets and the Montreal Canadiens
Carolina Hurricanes vs. Minnesota Wild
- A Carolina loss and a Montreal win would tie both teams up at 87 points. Getting into the playoffs is one thing but doing it to play the Tampa Bay Lightning in the first round isn’t ideal. Hopefully the wild help out a bit