Game 38: Canadiens at Devils

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Match Up

The Canadiens (24-11-2) are in New Jersey to start the New Year against the Devils (13-19-7) Friday night. The game starts at 7:00 and airs on RDS and Sportsnet East.

This is the first of three meetings between the Habs and Devils, and the first of two in New Jersey. Last season, the Canadiens took two of three games against Devils, losing their final meeting 4-1. David Desharnais had a goal, two assists and a shootout goal in three games against the Devils last season.

What to Watch

The Canadiens ended 2014 with four straight wins and look to keep their streak alive in the new year. Lars Eller has points in his last three games, including his league-best fifth game winning goal scored against the Hurricanes on Monday. Nathan Beaulieu played over 19 minutes for just the third time this season on Tuesday against the Panthers, but it was his second game in a row reaching that mark. The 22-year old defenseman seems to be slowly earning the trust of his coach, gaining more responsibility with each game.

With 21 points, Jaromir Jagr leads the way for the Devils at age 42. Jagr is fifth in all-time scoring with 1,776 points, and sixth in goals with 711. Former Hab Mike Cammalleri leads New Jersey in goals with 11. The Devils could certainly use more help in the goal scoring department, the team is 28th in goals per game, averaging just 2.08 so far this season.

What's at Stake

With 33 points on the season, the Devils are having a tough time keeping up in the Eastern Conference playoff race. The Canadiens have fallen two points back of the Lightning and a point back on the Penguins and Islanders, but with the Bolts and Pens playing each other on Friday as well, even a win means the Habs won't catch up with all their competition.

Who's Out

The Canadiens are healthy to start off 2015.

The Devils on the other hand are the latest team to be hit by the mumps, Patrik Elias and Michael Ryder both missed the team's last game with the illness, but could be ready for Friday's game. Steve Bernier (leg) is doubtful to play on Friday, while Stephen Gionta (hand) and Bryce Salvador (lower body) are out long term.

What Else

Carey Price is expected to start against the Devils on Friday, his 400th career start, and 400th in a Habs uniform. Price will be only the third Canadiens goalie to reach 400 games, passing Ken Dryden's 397 just before the holiday break. Price will be trying for win number 200, as he moves up that list as well, he's currently fifth all time in wins for the Canadiens.

The Question Mark

The holiday season is a great time for hockey with marquee events like the Winter Classic and the World Junior Championship both taking place this week, so what we want to know from you is: what is your favorite hockey related event?

Tonight's Show

Join host Steven Hindle along with Kosta Papoulias and Rob Elbaz for the Montreal Hockey Talk Pregame Show as we go live at 6:00 to preview the Canadiens and the Devils.

Posted in: carey price,david desharnais,jaromir jagr,lars eller,mike cammalleri,nathan beaulieu