Canadiens Preview: Crucial Match-Up For Game 2 Versus Sabres
The Montreal Canadiens (4-4) will face the Buffalo Sabres (5-2) in Game 2 of their second-round series on Friday, with […]
Timothy T. Ludwig-Imagn Images The Montreal Canadiens (4-4) will face the Buffalo Sabres (5-2) in Game 2 of their second-round series on Friday, with the puck drop scheduled for 7 pm ET. The Habs dropped Game 1, though the 4-2 scoreline was a little flattering to the host Sabres, a team that scored four goals on its first nine shots.
That’s not to say they did not deserve to win the game, but there were a few key factors to suggest Montreal may end up having a better fate in Game 2. The first line, in particular, had an encouraging game, which is important, as Nick Suzuki, Cole Caufield, and Juraj Slafkovsky have had a very hard time making an impact at 5v5. And as we all know, a team without a functional first line is barely a team at all, especially in the playoffs.
With that in mind, we shouldn’t discount Suzuki’s impact, as he is currently leading the Canadiens in scoring with seven points in eight games. Buffalo Sabres captain Rasmus Dahlin on Habs captain Nick Suzuki: “I think he’s got the complete package. He can score, he’s a hell of a disher, and he can play defence.
He’s just a legit 1st line centre in this league, so he really deserves that (Selke) nomination for sure. ” pic. twitter.