5 Keys To Montreal Canadiens vs. Buffalo Sabres Rematch

By Lissa Albert

5 Keys To Montreal Canadiens vs. Buffalo Sabres Rematch

Dale Weise, Alex Galchenyuk Montreal Canadiens — The Montreal Canadiens lost 2-1 in the first of a home-and-away series against the Buffalo Sabres. The Habs made many errors which led to the loss. With any home-and-away, both teams are at an advantage, bringing with them fresh knowledge of their opponent from only the night before. Will the Canadiens have learned from the loss? Or will Buffalo further what they learned and sweep the weekend?

5. Canadiens Should Use Their Speed

Lars Eller, Montreal Canadiens

5. Canadiens Should Use Their Speed

Lars Eller, Montreal Canadiens — The Canadiens are a fast team, and are known to outskate many opponents. They did not use their speed, or much energy, in Friday night's game, leading to a lethargic first two periods. If they are going to get past Buffalo, they must come out strong in every period and keep the pressure on their opponents to dominate the ice.

4. Bench Alexei Emelin

Alexei Emelin, Montreal Canadiens

4. Bench Alexei Emelin

Alexei Emelin, Montreal Canadiens — While no one player is completely at fault, defenseman Alexei Emelin had too many missteps on Friday night. Besides the errors he made that led to powerplays and the first Buffalo goal, his unnecessary hit to Sabres' Brian Gionta cost the Habs a second goal and the game. He's struggled lately; perhaps Emelin should be scratched in favor of Tom Gilbert for this game -- knowing head coach Michel Therrien, it's highly unlikely this will be the case.

3. Get The First Goal

Max Pacioretty Montreal Canadiens, Jhonas Enroth Buffalo Sabres

3. Get The First Goal

Max Pacioretty Montreal Canadiens, Jhonas Enroth Buffalo Sabres — Thus far this season, the first goal has not been indicative of a Canadiens win, nor -- with a record of 7-14-2 -- has it been successful for the Sabres. This game could prove to give the team with the first goal the psychological advantage. At home, in front of more than 21,000 fans, the Canadiens have that advantage as well. Fighting for that first goal, the crowd's reaction and the momentum could lead them to a win.

2. Watch The Calls

Max Pacioretty Montreal Canadiens

2. Watch The Calls

Max Pacioretty Montreal Canadiens — Whether it is icing or a penalty, the Canadiens are waylaid by calls on the ice. In Friday's game, Brandon Prust protested an offside call and was ousted from the game with a misconduct on his record. Emotions are always high, but when they get to boiling point, the Habs have to show self-restraint and just focus on the game they know they can play. If they can stay out of the penalty box, and stay disciplined, they could prevail.

1. Capitalize On The Goalie

Montreal Canadiens Pierre-Alexandre Parenteau

1. Capitalize On The Goalie

Montreal Canadiens Pierre-Alexandre Parenteau — It was announced that Jhonas Enroth will once again play in goal for Buffalo and Dustin Tokarski in nets for Montreal. Tokarski faced Buffalo at the beginning of this month, when the Canadiens won in a shootout. Will Enroth be tired or energized? Will the Habs capitalize on having scored against him just 24 hours earlier? Will Buffalo have Tokarski figured out from three weeks ago? The goaltender may make the difference in this rematch.

Lissa Albert is a Montreal Canadiens writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow her on Twitter @LissaRantSports. “Like” her on Facebook and/or add her to your network on Google.

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Buffalo Sabres

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