2019-20 NHL – Montreal Canadiens @ Vancouver Canucks Preview & Pick
THE FACTS
When is Montreal Canadiens @ Vancouver Canucks taking place? Wednesday 18th December, 2019 – 03:00 (UK)
Where is Montreal Canadiens @ Vancouver Canucks taking place? Rogers Arena, Vancouver
What channel is Montreal Canadiens @ Vancouver Canucks on? Premier Sports
Where can I stream Montreal Canadiens @ Vancouver Canucks? Premier Sport subscribers can stream this match live via Premier Player
Where can I get tickets for Montreal Canadiens @ Vancouver Canucks? https://www.nhl.com/tickets
What was the outcome in the last meeting? Montreal Canadiens 2 – 0 Vancouver Canucks
THE TEAM NEWS
MONTREAL CANADIENS
- The Canadiens are coming off a disappointing 2-1 defeat against the lowly Detroit Red Wings, and that loss ended the team’s impressive three-game winning run. Montreal sit in ninth place of the Eastern Conference with 36 points and their goal differential is the only reason why they are not in a playoff spot right now.
- Defenseman Victor Mete and forwards Jesperi Kotkaniemi and Paul Byron are all questionable heading into this contest. Meanwhile, Jonathan Drouin and Matthew Peca have both been ruled out of this game.
- Montreal’s offense has been quite balanced this season, but one player to watch should be Tomas Tatar. He might not lead the team in either goals or assists, but he paces the franchise in points this season and currently has 29 in 33 games (12 goals, 17 assists).
VANCOUVER CANUCKS
- The Canucks are coming off a 6-3 defeat against the Vegas Golden Knights and that defeat pushed their losing streak to two games. Vancouver currently sit in 10th place of the Western Conference with 36 points out of 34 games.
- Alexander Edler and Tyler Graovac have been listed as questionable, and both players will be game-time decisions ahead of this contest. Micheal Ferland and goaltender Thatcher Demko have both been listed as out.
- Keep an eye on Brock Boeser here, as the third-year winger has picked up points in six of his last seven games and seems to be trending in the right direction. He has two goals and six assists over that span, while posting 32 points in 34 games this season.
THE PREDICTION
Both teams rank outside the playoff picture of their respective Conferences and while the Canadiens own the better form of late, notching three wins in their last five games as opposed to Vancouver’s three defeats over that span, it must be said the Canucks have a stronger offense and better defence. Both sides are in dire need of a win if they want to move closer to the playoff spots, but recent form should be key here so the Canadiens should be considered as slight favourites moving forward.
