#MTLHockey Preview
Match Up
The Canadiens (11-4-1) play host to the rival Boston Bruins (10-7-0) Thursday night at the Bell Centre. The game is set to start at 7:30 and airs on RDS and Sportsnet360.
This is the second of four meetings between the Habs and Bruins this year, and already the final one in Montreal. The Bruins were in town for the Canadiens' home opener on October 16, a game the Habs won 6-4. Brendan Gallagher led the way for the Habs offensively with two goals, including the game winner, and an assist. Max Pacioretty also tallied three points on the night.
What to Watch
Lars Eller had another strong game against the Jets on Tuesday, scoring the game winning goal for the second straight game. Jiri Sekac picked up his third point in two games with an assist on Eller's goal.
Carey Price posted his first shutout of the season against the Jets, stopping all 29 shots directed his way. In his last two games, Price has given up just one goal on 60 shots after giving up 13 goals in three straight losses.
The Bruins are dealing with injuries to key pieces in David Krejci and Zdeno Chara but can still rely on the services of last year's Selke winner, Patrice Bergeron. Bergeron has points in his last five games with two goals and five assists over that span.
What's at Stake
The Habs will look to extend their three game win streak and keep their spot near the top of the Eastern Conference and the league. Boston is now three points back of the Canadiens and has been keeping pace admirably despite losing their captain for an extended period. A win on Thursday would help add some separation between the Habs and their rivals.
Who's Out
Rene Bourque was sent to Hamilton earlier in the week and now Travis Moen has been traded to Dallas in exchange for Sergei Gonchar. Michael Bournival (shoulder) is out as well. All this lineup shuffling allowed Drayson Bowman to play his first game as a Canadien on Tuesday.
As mentioned, the Bruins are missing David Krejci (lower body) and Zdeno Chara (knee). They were also without Kevan Miller (upper body) when they faced the Maple Leafs Wednesday night, but he is traveling with the team.
What Else
The Canadiens power play has now gone a full eight consecutive games without converting an opportunity. Their last power play goal came against the Avalanche on October 18.
The good news is that two of Montreal's three power play markers came against the Bruins when they last met. Max Pacioretty opened the scoring with a goal on the man advantage and P.A. Parenteau ended the night with another power play goal into an empty net.
The Question Mark
What type of impact do you expect Sergei Gonchar to have for the Habs while he's with the team?
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