7. This week’s games
The Habs will play 4 games in the next week. On Saturday, they will face the Leafs, then they’ll play the Senators on Sunday and Tuesday, before facing off against the Jets for the first time this season on Thursday. It should be expected that Carey Price will be given the Saturday night game and that Jake Allen will cover the Sunday’s contest. Price could very well play the two following games, but I have a feeling that Allen will play again on Tuesday (playing in both Ottawa games), leaving Carey Price to get the start against Winnipeg.
The team has been in a rut recently, losing 3 of the last 5 games and scoring just 8 goals in that span. The offense will need to step up and Nick Suzuki especially. He was central to the Canadiens’ attack through the first 10 games but his rut has coincided with the team’s. For him to be the first line centre he could be in the very near future, he will need to be as dangerous offensively as he was to start the season with more consistency. It should be noted though, his defensive game has been phenomenal throughout the season.
I expect him to bounce back following this bye week and predict for him to score a goal aganst Toronto. I am also optimistic that the team will bounce back this week as well, winning 3 of their 4 games, with the sole loss coming against the Senators in the shootout. I would personally be delighted with 7 of 8 possible points, so hopefully I’m right!
If any of you have ideas for storylines for me to cover next week, feel free to leave a comment!
All statistics sourced from EliteProspects.com.