Game 16 - Canadiens vs Jets

#MTLHockey Pregame

Match Up

The Canadiens (9-4-1) play host to the Jets (8-5-2) Tuesday night at the Bell Centre. The game is set to start at 7:30 and can be seen on RDS and Sportsnet East.

This is the first of two game between the Habs and the Jets, and the only one in Montreal. Last year these teams split their two meetings, with each team winning on the road. Carey Price recorded a 36-save shutout in Winnipeg to help power the Habs to a 3-0 victory in their win last season.

What to Watch

It took a pair of games for Jiri Sekac to displace Rene Bourque in the team's line-up, so much so that Bourque has been reassigned to Hamilton after clearing waivers on Monday. Sekac had a goal, an assist, four shots, and the game's First Star on Saturday.

The Jets have been hot recently and Ondrej Pavelec has been the driving force. Pavelec is 6-2-1 in his last nine starts, allowing just 15 goals on 247 shots for a .939 save percentage. Averaging just 1.87 goals per game, the Jets would probably like a bit more offensive production. Bryan Little, Andrew Ladd and Blake Wheeler have done most of the heavy lifting for Winnipeg. Combined the trio has 16 of the team's 28 goals.

What's at Stake

The Canadiens need to look over their shoulder as much as they need to look ahead in the Eastern standings. The Bruins and Red Wings are within striking distance behind the Canadiens, while the Lighting are two points ahead.

Who's Out

Michael Bournival (shoulder) is out for at least the next two weeks but the Canadiens are otherwise healthy going in to Wednesday's game.

The Jets will likely be without winger Anthony Peluso (upper body) on Tuesday, he's been out of action since mid-October.

What Else

The Jets come into Tuesday's action with points in their last eight games (6-0-2), a streak that helped put them right into the Western conference playoff conversation and ahead of the Chicago Blackhawks to occupy third spot in the Central division. It's the first time the Jets have a winning record after 15 games since the franchise relocated to Winnipeg.

The Question Mark

What are your thoughts on Rene Bourque's demotion, has he played his last game with the Habs or even his last in the NHL?

Tonight's Show

Join host Steven Hindle along with Rob Elbaz and Matt Fish for the Montreal Hockey Talk Pregame Show as we go live at 6:30 Tuesday night to preview the Canadiens and Jets.

Posted in: andrew ladd,blake wheeler,Bryan Little,carey price,Jiri Sekac,Michaël Bournival,ondrej pavelec,rene bourque