Here are three keys to the Atlantic Division game:
1.) FAST START- SABRES
The Sabres will look to get off to a fast start against a Canadiens team that could possibly be without Jonathan Drouin, Shea Weber and Carey Price. The Sabres need to establish a forecheck game early and be sure to get plenty of puck on net especially if Price isn't in goal for the Habs. Buffalo plays better when they have the lead, and they can keep attacking rather than having to play a defensive type of game in their own zone. They will also want to get the first goal of the game to take the home crowd out of the game. Buffalo needs to use its speed to win races to the puck and to spend some attack time in the offensive zone.
2.) POWER PLAY- HABS
The Canadiens haven't been so good while on the man advantage, and have only converted on 10 of its 66 power play opportunities this season. They are ranked 24th out of 31 teams on the power play this year. This would be the perfect opportunity to get the power play going since the Sabres are one of the worst road penalty killing teams in the League. The Sabres have allowed eight power play goals against while being shorthanded 26 times (69.2%). The Habs need to get setup, have quick player/puck movement and get the shot on net since the goalies do allow some goals for the Sabres.
3.) MAX PACIORETTY VS. EVANDER KANE- HABS & SABRES
Buffalo will need to keep an eye on Max Pacioretty, who has good career numbers against them. In 36 games played against the Sabres, he has 11 goals, 17 assists and 28 points, and is averaging .78 points per game. The Habs are going to need to keep an eye on Evander Kane, who has had a really good start to this season and leads the Sabres in points with 15. In 26 games played against Montreal, Kane has three goals, 15 assists and 18 points, while averaging .69 points per game against them in his career. This should be a good matchup to keep an eye on during the game since both this players can put the puck in the net.
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