#MTLHockey Preview
Match-up
The undefeated Canadiens (1-0-0) are in Washington Thursday night to help the Capitals (0-0-0) start their season. The game is set to start at 7 PM and airs on RDS and Sportsnet360.This is the first of three meetings between the Habs and Caps this season, and the Canadiens' only visit to Washington. Last year, the Habs went 1-1-1 against the Capitals, although their last meeting ended in a 5-0 loss in Montreal, a game that saw the Habs take just nine shots in the first two periods.
What to Watch
While Carey Price got the job done in Toronto on Wednesday, it will be up to Dustin Tokarski to do the same Thursday in Washington. The alternate captains led the way for the Habs on Wednesday, Max Pacioretty, Tomas Plekanec and PK Subban scored all four of the Canadiens' goals in their 4-3 victory, with Plekanec tallying a pair including the final minute game winner. The trio also accounted for 14 of the team's 32 shots on Wednesday.The Capitals are still led by Alex Ovechkin, the star Russian forward posted his fifth 50-goal season last year, with three of his 51 goals coming against the Canadiens. As the season goes on, it will be interesting to watch the dynamic between Ovechkin and new head coach Barry Trotz. Trotz is the Capitals' fourth head coach since the 2011-2012 season.
What's at Stake
The Habs are one game in to an undefeated season with just 81 games left to play.While it may be a bit too early to worry about jockeying for position in the playoff race, the Bruins did win their first game of the season as well on Wednesday, meaning the two teams are tied for top spot in the Atlantic Conference.
Who's Out
The Canadiens are healthy after their first game of the season.The Caps are dealing with injuries to Jay Beagle (upper body), Aaron Volpatti (neck), Dmitry Orlov (wrist) and Tom Wilson (ankle). Oft-injured defenseman Tom Green (upper body) is a game-time decision.
0 comments:
Post a Comment