The game seemed to go as expected as the Habs found themselves losing 2-0 to a much better team. However, the Habs battled back. Rem Pitlik was the hero for beating the Leafs netminder cleanly in overtime. It was an inspiring win as the depleted Habs never once gave up giving the fans something to cheer about.
Rem Pitlik The hero of the last game should have a long time in the NHL because the Habs got beat up. Pitlik is no stranger to the NHL and has the offensive talent for it, but it’s his defensive game that has kept him in the minors. Pitlick cheats on offense and is a very high risk – high reward type of player.
Mike Matheson Matheson has had an unpredictable edge to his game since returning to the lineup. The 28-year-old veteran defenseman didn’t get a warm welcome as a member of the Habs, but this season has been tough for many. The rest of the season should be a real look at what kind of player Matheson will be for the next few years.
Sam Montebelt The Habs are winning games they shouldn’t. Montembeault has been tested often and is starting to show his true potential. He still has bad goals to clean up and bad games but he is not giving his team a chance to win over and over again.
The key to victory
stay still After being down, the Habs played a very determined game to get back into what they need to do against an experienced Bruins team that sits atop the standings.
Implement the plan If the Habs aren’t careful, the Bruins will show why they are the top team in the league. The Habs need to execute their game plan on all three ends of the ice.
Use speed The Bruins come in waves and the Habs need to be ready. They will have to use their momentum to survive against the league’s top teams.
Statistical Matchups for Game 48
Bell Centre, Montreal, QC | January 24, 7:00 PM ET | TV: TSN2, RDS, ESPN+, NESN
2022-23 statistics
Bruins
canadian
78 (1st)
points (rank)
43 (26th)
37-5-4
record
20-24-3
W5
streak
L1
9-1-0
Last 10
5-5-0
3.80 (1st)
GF/G (Rank)
2.57 (28th)
2.02 (1st)
GA/G (Rank)
3.64 (28th)
27.0 (3rd)
PP% (Rank)
15.0 (32nd)
87.1 (1st)
PK% (Rank)
74.0 (26th)
55.9
faceoff %
49.6
Pre game quotes
Michael Pagetta
“Being out of the lineup and missing so many games early in the season was tough. Now, I have a chance to move on. The most minutes I’ve played in three straight games in my NHL career, and it’s a lot more fun when you play more and help the team win.”
Projected Forwards, Defensemen and Goaltenders (Subject to Change)
Forward
Marchand – Bergeron – Smith Zacha – Krejci – Pastrnak Hall – Coyle – Frederick Foligno – Kopanen – Greer
A perfect storm is coming for the Habs. After a week where the Habs beat some teams they didn’t expect while battling multiple injuries the Habs’ biggest rival comes to town. The Bruins have been the top team in the league and are a very deep team that doesn’t skip nights. This is going to be a battle for the Habs and it will be hard to keep it a close game.
last row
Not getting blown out or pushed around by the Bruins is what you want to see from the Habs tonight even if the score doesn’t go their way.