#MTLHockey Preview
Match Up
The Canadiens (2-0-0) are in Philadelphia Saturday night to face the Flyers (0-2-0) at the Wells Fargo Center. The puck is set to drop at 7:00 and is being broadcast by City, TVA and CSN-Philly.This is the first of three meetings between the Habs and Flyers, and the only visit to Philadelphia this season. Last year the Canadiens dropped two of three to Philadelphia, but did manage a 4-1 victory in the only Bell Centre game. Alex Galchenyuk had a pair of assists in the game while Lars Eller, Rene Bourque and Brian Gionta had a goal and assist each.
What to Watch
Don't look now, but Tomas Plekanec is tied for the lead in goals with three in two games. Alex Galchenyuk has been a force on Plekanec's wing with two assists and several scoring chances so far this season. Galchenyuk also led the Habs with five hits in Thursday's 2-1 shootout win over the Capitals. The pair is expected to start with Jiri Sekac on their wing, a spot in the line-up the rookie found himself occupying midway through Thursday's tilt.Wayne Simmonds is coming off a strong performance against the Devils with a pair of big second period goals to draw the Flyers level and an assist on Vincent Lecavalier's third period marker. In the end the Flyers lost their second straight game to open the season. Steve Mason gave up five goals in the 6-4 loss.
What's at Stake
Despite a pair of slow starts, the Canadiens are going into Philadelphia undefeated to start the season. In just two game the Canadiens have been out-shot 26-8 in the first period and outscored 3-1. While the primary objective has been met each game it stands to reason that Michel Therrien will want to make starting strong a main focus in Saturday's game.Who's Out
The Canadiens are healthy and Carey Price is expected to start in nets after watching Dustin Tokarski get the job done in Washington. Alexei Emelin will miss the contest with an upper-body injury (ribs) and Jarred Tinordi will make his season debut tonight. It looks like Dale Weise and Michael Bournival will be healthy scratches.The Flyers are missing star defenseman Chris Pronger, although with his recent appointment to the NHL Department of Player Safety, it doesn't appear as though he'll return to action any time soon. They could also be without Braydon Coburn (lower body) and former Hab Ryan White (chest). Kimmo Timonen (blood clots) may be sidelined for the entire season.
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