Game 36: Canadiens at Hurricanes

#MTLHockey Preview

 

Match Up

After an extended Christmas break, the Canadiens (22-11-2) look to pick up where they left off when they face the Hurricanes (10-21-4) in Carolina on Monday. The game is set to start at 7:00 and can be seen on RDS and Sportsnet East.

This is the second of three meetings between the Habs and Canes this season, and the only one in Carolina. Alex Galchenyuk scored his first career hat trick the last time these teams met and Max Pacioretty picked up three assists to lead the Habs to a 4-1 victory.

What to Watch

As good as Galchenyuk and Pacioretty have looked together, David Desharnais has looked alright as well on a line with P.A. Parenteau and now Lars Eller. Desharnais has three goals and two assists in his past five games, a quarter of the 20 points he has in 35 games this season.

There haven't been many bright spots in the Canes season so far this year, except the possible high draft pick at the end of the tunnel. The Hurricanes are the second worst team in the NHL, three points ahead of the league-worst Oilers. Defenseman Justin Faulk has emerged as one of the team's best players, leading the Canes in scoring with 20 points.

What's at Stake

The Canadiens may have had an extra couple of days off but their competition hasn't. Both the Red Wings and the Lightning picked up wins on Saturday leaving the Habs in third place in the Atlantic division, but with games in hand.

Who's Out

The Canadiens are rested and healthy headed in to Monday's action.

Jordan Staal is set to make his season debut on Monday and Jiri Tlusty is expected to return to the lineup as well for Carolina. Alex Semin (upper body) is day-to-day.

What Else

The IIHF World Junior Championship is underway taking place in Toronto and Montreal this year, and the Canadiens have four prospects taking part. Goaltending prospect Zach Fucale is the starting netminder for Canada, Artturi Lehkonen is captain of the Finnish team, Jacob De La Rose is wearing the "C" for team Sweden, and Martin Reway is captaining the Slovaks. As impressive as it is to have three prospects captaining their respective teams, the Canadiens top draft picks from the past two seasons, Michael McCarron and Nikita Scherbak, were left off their countries' roster.

The Question Mark

What have been the Habs greatest strengths and weaknesses so far this season?

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 Hurricanes.

Read More

Pregame Preview: Canadiens vs Hurricanes (Game #53)

 
Match Up:

The Canadiens (27-20-5) will look to end their 4-game losing streak at home against the Hurricanes (24-19-9) Tuesday night. The game starts at 7:30 and can be seen on RDS.

This is the second of three games between the Habs and Canes, and the only one at the Bell Center. The Hurricanes erased a 3-0 third period lead on New Year's Eve with four straight third period goals, including a pair of Jeff Skinner power play goals to start the rally. PK Subban brought the game back level, but Alexander Semin scored the overtime winner to cap off the comeback for Carolina.

What to Watch:

The Canadiens held a players-only meeting following their 5-0 loss against the Capitals on Saturday. Peter Budaj relieved Carey Price for the second time in three games. The Canadiens have given up 4 goals or more in their last 6 matches, a total of 28 of the 131 goals they've allowed in 52 games this season.

The Hurricanes are trending in the opposite direction of the Habs, they've won their last 4 straight to draw within 2 points of Montreal and are now holding down a playoff spot. A pair of third period goals by Eric Staal followed by the game winner by brother Jordan helped the Canes overcome the Blue Jackets Monday night for a 3-2 win.

What's at Stake:

The Habs are stuck in their worst losing streak and their worst stretch of play all season. They've lost their last four and have gone six games without winning in regulation. Tuesday's game is a chance for the Canadiens to bounce back in front of their home crowd before heading off  to Boston on Thursday. It's sixth and final home game of January, where the Habs have gone 2-2-1 so far this month.

Who's Out:

The Habs are still without Alex Galchenyuk (hand), who should be back after the Olympic break. Ryan White (upper body) and Davis Drewiske (shoulder) are also out.

The Hurricanes are missing starting goalie, Cam Ward (lower body), he hasn't played since beating the Habs a month ago. Anton Khudobin was in nets Monday night, which means young netminder Justin Peters should get the start in Montreal.

What Else:

During the lockout-shortened 2012-2013 campaign the Habs never lost more than 3 straight games, their last 4-game slide started March 23, 2012 when the Canadiens were beaten 4-1 by the Flyers. Daniel Briere was the first star in that game, with 2 goals including the game winner for Philadelphia.

The Question Mark:

Rumors of a Habs trade abounded on Monday. According to TVA's Louis Jean, Colorado's PA Parenteau (25 points in 41 games this season) was on the table for Rene Bourque and another unknown piece. We want to hear from you, how much would you be willing to give up along with Bourque to land a Parenteau type player?

Let us know what you think, leave a comment or send us a tweet by using the #MTLHockey hashtag on Twitter.

Be sure to tune into the Montreal Hockey Talk Pregame Show an hour before the puck drop and the Post Game Show 5 minutes after the final siren. Join the live conversation by using the #MTLHockey hashtag on Twitter.

Read More

Draft Roundup, Yakupov goes first, Galchenyuk, Staal traded, Canadian teams, and more

Morning puck addicts!

So did you watch the draft last night? Or tune in online? Or by radio?

It's amazing how easy it is to get draft coverage in this day and age. It's also amazing what a big event it has become. And, despite all the hype, last's night's entry draft did not disappoint.

Aside from Nail Yakupov going first overall, the biggest news of the day was the ground shaking trade of Jordan Staal by the Pens. Pittsburgh moved their third line center (likely a first line center on any other team) to the Hurricanes to play with his brother.

In return they got Brandon Sutter, Brian Dumoulin and the Canes' first round pick this year.

This was on the heels of Staal rejected a long-term deal from the Pens and you've got to respect the speed with which Pens GM, Ray Shero, dealt with that situation!

On the Habs front, Montreal picked Alex Galchenyuk third overall. And this kid is the perfect fit for a lineup that lacking for size up the middle.

Round Two of the draft picks today with the Habs holding two high second round picks (33rd and 51st), where several good players should still be available. So it should make for an exciting day!

Habs News

HabsAddict.com - 2012 NHL Draft: Get to Know Habs Draft Pick Alex Galchenyuk

RDS - Galchenyuk, l'homme du CH au 3e rang

TSN - CANADIENS SELECT GALCHENYUK WITH THIRD OVERALL PICK

Habsworld.net - Habs select Galchenyuk 3rd overall

Hockey Inside/Out - Who’s left in Round 2 for Canadiens?

Hockey News

TSN - OILERS SELECT YAKUPOV FIRST OVERALL IN NHL DRAFT

TSN - MAPLE LEAFS SELECT RIELLY WITH FIFTH SELECTION OF 2012 DRAFT

TSN - JETS ADD TROUBA WITH THE NINTH OVERALL SELECTION

TSN - SENATORS TAKE OTTAWA NATIVE CECI WITH 15TH PICK OF NHL DRAFT

TSN - FLAMES TAKE JANKOWSKI WITH 21ST PICK AT NHL DRAFT

TSN - STAALS REUNITED AS PENS TRADE JORDAN TO HURRICANES

THN - Round 1 winners and losers

ESPN - Jordan Staal trade a win for all

(Photo: Bruce Bennett/Getty Images North America)

Read More

Habs News Links - Game 2, Subban, Staal, Markov

Round 2, Game 2: Habs @ Pens

Habs Inside/Out - Game 2 preview
http://www.habsinsideout.com/main/33981

Penguins, Habs on eve of Game 2
http://www.habsinsideout.com/main/33979

RDS - Huge skates to fill (French)
http://www.rds.ca/canadien/chroniques/298291.html

It Markov gone for the series? (French)
http://www.rds.ca/canadien/chroniques/298264.html

Pittsburgh can replace Staal (French)
http://www.rds.ca/canadien/chroniques/298265.html

TSN - Canadiens and Pens both dealing with major injuries
http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=320194

ESPN.com
http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/preview?gameId=300502016

Like this story? Don't be selfish, Share it!

Share|

Read More