LAS VEGAS | Canadiens fans will have to stay up late to see their favorites in action. But it might be worth it. Martin St-Louis’ team will face the Golden Knights in Vegas. The Stanley Cup champions are one of two teams that are undefeated in the NHL since the start of the season (8-0-1).
“It’s a big challenge. “We have the chance to achieve something that no one has managed to do against them this year,” argued the Canadian coach after his team’s morning training.
The Journal offers five things to keep in mind for this first Habs game in the West.
AFP
1. A 300th game for Suzuki
The Canadian captain has had a worrying start to the season. Now he seems to be on his way. He was a key player in the Habs’ last two comebacks. He scored three points against Columbus. On Saturday he was involved in a goal and also scored the winner in the penalty shootout. So it’s a good sign for the 300th game of his career. In this meeting, he will play in 2017 against the team that drafted him in the first round.
Nick Suzuki: “It goes by really quickly. Additionally, older players had informed me of this reality. It’s special to have it happen against this team. I really want us to win this game. »
Photo Martin Chevalier
2. Juraj Slafkovsky is ready to get back on his feet
We recognize good athletes by their ability to bounce back after a poor performance. Juraj Slafkovsky had a more than difficult game when the Jets visited on Saturday. Losses of the ball, bad decisions and a blatant lack of self-confidence led Martin St-Louis to let him skip a few shifts in the third period. The Slovakian will certainly want to rehabilitate himself.
Alex Newhook: “I don’t think he lacks confidence. This is a top choice overall. He knows he’s good, he knows what he can bring to this team. We must not forget that he is one of the youngest players in the league. He’s also very strict with himself.
Photo Martin Chevalier
3. Montembeault in front of the net
Samuel Montembeault will start for the fourth time this season. In his last appearance in front of the net, last Thursday against the Columbus Blue Jackets, he stopped 33 shots to help his team win in overtime. He is celebrating his 27th birthday. His teammates will no doubt want to give him a big win.
Photo Martin Chevalier
4. Matheson could be back
Mike Matheson injured his lower body while visiting the Jets and had to miss the third period. He could be back at his post tonight. Martin St-Louis said that a decision in his case would be made shortly before the game.
Joël Lemay / QMI Agency
5. Ducharme joins the Quebec sector
Quebec has always been well represented among the Golden Knights. This is the case again with Jonathan Marchessault, William Carrier and Nicolas Roy. Behind the bench we note the addition of Dominique Ducharme as assistant to coach Bruce Cassidy. Le Joliettain was hired in the summer to focus primarily on offensive strategies and game systems.
Expected Canadian lineup:
Caufield-Suzuki-Harvey-Pinard
Slafkovsky-Newhook-Anderson
Pearson-Monahan-Gallagher
Pezzetta Evans Armia
Matheson Kovacevic
Guhle Barron
Xhekaj Harris
Montembeault
Allen