Two struggling golf equipment determined for a jolt will meet on Tuesday as the Calgary Flames go to the Montreal Canadiens. Each groups have confronted vital challenges early within the season, with the Flames making an attempt to rebound from a 1-5-0 slide of their final six video games following a promising begin. The Canadiens, in the meantime, are on a three-game shedding streak after displaying indicators of improved protection however have struggled to discover a stability between offensive stress and defensive reliability.
One group will go house blissful tonight. With each groups wanting to regain footing, listed below are three key areas to observe in tonight’s recreation:
What to Watch One: Particular Groups Struggles on Each Sides
Particular groups have been a crucial weak spot for each the Flames and Canadiens, usually leading to missed scoring alternatives and dear objectives in opposition to them. Calgary’s power-play unit lastly broke an 0-for-18 skid with a aim of their current recreation in opposition to Edmonton. But, their penalty kill stays regarding. It’s working at simply 72.5% effectivity. This was particularly evident when a high-sticking penalty from Martin Pospisil led to a decisive power-play aim by Edmonton’s Zach Hyman.
Montreal’s current particular groups efficiency has additionally been problematic. The group has put up a 1-for-12 energy play displaying and an 8-for-13 penalty kill over their previous three video games. With each groups underperforming, followers ought to watch to see which group can enhance and reap the benefits of their opponent’s weaknesses.
What to Watch Two: Flames’ Goaltending Selections
Calgary’s goaltending has been in flux, with Dan Vladar beginning the final two video games and Dustin Wolf ready for one more probability to show himself. Vladar impressed with a shutout in opposition to the New Jersey Devils. Nonetheless, his subsequent outing in opposition to the Edmonton Oilers noticed combined outcomes. Whether or not head coach Ryan Huska will proceed with Vladar or give Wolf an opportunity in opposition to a Canadiens group that has struggled to attain persistently stays to be seen.
Montreal’s Sam Montembeault has been the first starter, however he holds only a .894 save share. That could be a easy reflection of the Canadiens’ goaltending considerations. Goaltending choices and efficiency might closely affect the sport’s consequence.
What to Watch Three: The Battle of Younger Stars and Key Scorers
Rasmus Andersson leads Calgary’s offense with 11 factors, whereas Nick Suzuki tops Montreal’s leaderboard with 13 factors, together with 4 objectives and 9 assists. Suzuki is only one level away from his three hundredth NHL profession level, including a person milestone for Canadiens followers to observe. Moreover, Canadiens ahead Juraj Slafkovsky’s standing is unsure after he left their final recreation as a consequence of a head harm, so his potential absence might affect Montreal’s offensive depth.
With each groups relying closely on their high scorers to generate offense, the person performances of Andersson and Suzuki may decide the tempo of the sport. Can both of these gamers present essential momentum for his or her respective groups?
Predictions for The Flames and the Canadiens
For the Flames: Search for Calgary to capitalize on Montreal’s penalty kill struggles, particularly if their energy play continues to construct momentum. If the Flames can get a strong goaltending efficiency, they could have a robust probability to depart Montreal with a win.
For the Canadiens: Montreal’s path to victory lies in tightening their defensive play and producing sustained offensive stress. If Montembeault can elevate his play and Suzuki hits his milestone, the Canadiens might rally for a much-needed house win. Sensible cash means that Cole Caufield may additionally pot a aim or two.
In a matchup of two groups looking for a spark, the Flames and Canadiens should tighten up in areas the place they’ve struggled. Count on an in depth, aggressive recreation as every group battles to show its season round.
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