Montreal Canadiens (1-0-1)
For the first time this year, the Montreal Canadiens will be playing on home ice at the Bell Centre. Defenseman Shea Weber, a big offseason acquisition by Montreal, will be playing for the first time in his new home.
So far this season, Weber has two assists, but winger Brendan Gallagher leads the team with two goals and an assist this early in the season.
The Canadiens have some very young players on their roster. While youth can be the reason behind penalties and overall mistakes, don’t forget how many young players helped lead Pittsburgh to a Stanley Cup last season.
Pittsburgh Penguins (2-0-1)
For the third straight game against the Colorado Avalanche, the Penguins were unable to score more than three goals. Nonetheless, without captain Sidney Crosby, goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury was able to hold down the fort and give his team two wins.
However, this time around, former Canadien Mike Condon will get the start in net for the Penguins. Last year, Condon started 55 games, put up a 21-25-6 record and a 2.71 goals-against-average.
With a save percentage of .903, Condon has put up respectable numbers, although his win total may not be where he’d like. Pittsburgh will need to put up an early lead to separate itself and keep the crowd out of it.
Prediction
Head coach Mike Sullivan and his team weren’t happy with the outcome of Monday night’s game, but they have a chance to bring it all back in their first road game of the season.
Condon will allow only a pair of goals and help fill in for Fleury to bring the Penguins their third win of the season.
Where: Bell Centre, Montreal, QC
When: Tuesday, October 18th @ 7:30 p.m. EDT
Watch: ROOT, TVA Sports, SN360, NHL.TV
Image credit: Francois Lacasse/NHLI via Getty Images
