Both teams made some roster changes before the matchup. Florida sent David Boots to Vancouver in exchange for Marco Sturm and Mikael Samuelsson. Montreal traded for Center Nokelainen from Phoenix in exchange for Trotter from the AHL farm Hamilton and a 7th round pick. Given that Samuelsson is a 100% no show today and Sturm is a probable i would say the impact on Montreal's team is more immediate. The season debuts of Nokelainen, Blunded (recall from Hamilton) and goalie Budaj will surely ignite a few sparks in Montreal as they try to avoid their 6th straight defeat. Along with them defense veteran Jaroslav Spacek is also making a return to the Habs squad.
On goal there is an unlikely matchup of the second goalies. Budaj makes his seasonal debut for Montreal, giving Price a much needed rest after the 3.13 GAA start (87.8 Save %). On the other side Markstrom is likely to start instead of starter Theodore who had to go out in Panthers win against the Islanders due to a lower body injury). That will mark Markstroms 4th match in his NHL career.
5 on 5 florida is just terrible, getting outscored by a 0.64 ratio. montreal is better, posting a 1.08 ratio.
Montreal's powerplay has been their Achilles heel so far, having scored only twice on 25 tries. Florida is one of the best teams in the league in PP execution at 8/28.
If the shot clock is a factor that represents team's activity then Montreal should be the more active one. They have a 32.9-26 sog/sa differential, which is much better than Florida's 29.9-31.9.
Florida had a long trip from their home arena to Montreal, while Montreal remained at home after their heartbreaking loss to Toronto Saturday, when they lead 3-1 and lost 5-4.
Pick: Montreal (in 60 mins.) @2.29 (bet365)
Stake: 100
Result: LOST
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