This will be the Canadiens’ third Heritage Classic in franchise history and their first since February 20, 2011, a game played at McMahon Stadium in Calgary. The Flames won that one 4-0. In their first appearance, they defeated the Oilers 4-3 at Commonwealth Stadium in Edmonton. Everyone remembers José Théodore and his famous tuque! In the Edmonton Classic, the temperature was −18 °C and reached −30 °C with the wind chill. In Calgary, it was −9 °C and reached −25 °C with the wind chill. Conditions will be milder for this third appearance, with a forecast of 0 °C at the opening faceoff and a wind chill as low as −5 °C during the game at the Pricess Auto Stadium.
Martin St. Louis has not confirmed who will start in goal for this outdoor game, but just like against the Blackhawks, I’m convinced Jacob Fowler will get the start, that would be his second in a row. He currently has a 4-1 record with a 1.94 goals-against average and a .910 save percentage in five games this season.
As I write this preview, I don’t have the lineup or line combinations yet, but if MSL sticks to his usual approach, he should go with the same lineup and lines that won Friday night in Chicago.
On the Jets’ side, acquired in the trade that sent Connor Hellebuyck to the Devils, Dawson Mercer will play his first game with his new team. He is still looking for his first goal of the season in 10 games!
Players to watch:
I expect a strong game from Josh Anderson, who usually has success against the Jets (3 goals and 3 assists in his last 5 meetings with them). As for Oliver Kapanen, he scored in both games against the Jets last season. He is still looking for his first point this season after recording 22 goals and 37 points in his rookie year!
If the Habs hope to win consecutive games for the second time this season, they’ll need to keep an eye on Kyle Connor. He has 9 goals and 3 assists in 10 games this season. Cole Perfetti is also off to an excellent start with 6 goals and 3 assists in 10 games. Even though Adam Lowry has only 1 goal and 3 assists in 10 games, I wouldn’t be surprised to see him light the lamp in this one.
Season prediction: 6-4
Guaranteed win: 2-0
Prediction:
MTL – 4
WPG – 2
That’s it for now — have a good rest of your day and enjoy the game tonight.