The Canadian reunites with his fans after five games away from the Bell Center. Before him will stand the Florida Panthers. The latter conclude a sequence of three games in four evenings in Eastern Canada.
Here are 5 things to watch for this clash
1. The fatigue element
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The Canadiens players returned to Montreal after spending ten days away from home. Returning in the early hours of Columbus, they risk having heavy legs. A good start to the match will be essential to give yourself a good start.
2. The rotation continues
Archive photo, Martin Chevalier
The rotation will continue in front of the Canadian’s net for a 19th game in a row. Cayden Primeau will face shots from Panthers players. Moreover, the American returned from his trip earlier than his teammates in order to be fresh and ready. This is a luxury that a team with three goalies can afford. There should be no further changes to the training.
3. The Panthers in slow motion
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Paul Maurice’s troop has been going through a slightly slower period for the past two weeks. Since November 16, the Panthers have maintained a 3-3-1 record, which does not prevent them from occupying third place in the Eastern Conference by virtue of a record of 13-7-2 (28 points).
4. Barkov likes himself against the Canadian
Photo AFP
Aleksander Barkov hasn’t hit the target in his last five games. However, he has always had success against the Canadian. In 31 games, he moved the strings on 22 occasions. The Habs are the only team against whom the Finn has scored more than 15 goals.
5. The Massive Breakdown Attack
Photo Martin Chevalier
The Canadian did not obtain any numerical superiority on Wednesday in Columbus. Which prevented him from having an opportunity to end a nasty streak. There are now seven games that Montreal’s massive attack has not scored. The Habs have been shut out in their last 17 attempts.