Pregame Preview: Canadiens vs Devils (Game #47)

 
 Match Up:

The Canadiens (26-15-5) are home to host the Devils (19-18-10) Tuesday night. The game is set to start at 7:30 and airs on RDS and TSN-Habs.

This is the third and final meeting between the Habs and Devils this season. The Canadiens will have their sights set on a season sweep after a pair of back-to-back wins at the start of December. This might also be Martin Brodeur's last game in his hometown as the legend's career winds down after two decades in the league.

What to Watch:

Carey Price has helped the Habs earn points in his last 7 starts and has a 7-1-2 record in his last 10. Price is set to take part in his first Olympics next month and his .928 save percentage and 2.19 GAA puts him ahead of his Team Canada counterparts, Roberto Luongo and Mike Smith.

Former Hab Michael Ryder comes in to Montreal with 5 goals and 7 points in his last 8 games. He now leads the Devils with 16 goals on the year. Jaromir Jagr, who will turn 42 during the Sochi Olympics, continues to lead the Devils in scoring. With 36 points on the year, Jagr is 11 points ahead of his fellow Czech Olympian, 37-year old Patrik Elias.

What's at Stake:

The Habs are looking to take 3 of 3 against the Devils this season, a team that has worked their way back into the playoff conversation in the East. Montreal is locked into a 3-way race for top spot in the Atlantic, although they're a step behind the Lightning and Bruins.

Who's Out:

The Canadiens are without Alex Galchenyuk (hand) until after the Olympic break. Also missing are Ryan White (upper body) and Davis Drewiske (shoulder).

The Devils are missing Patrik Elias (upper body), Damien Brunner (knee), Peter Harrold (foot) and Jacob Josefson (illness).

What Else:

While this may be Martin Brodeur's final visit to his hometown as an NHL goalie, his legacy will certainly live on. The veteran netminder has won 3 Stanley Cups, 2 Olympic Gold Medals, 5 Jennings Trophies, 4 Vezinas and holds countless individual records such as most shutouts in a playoff campaign (7), most regular season wins (681), most regular season shutouts (124) and many more.

Jaromir Jagr has also been spending his time in New Jersey setting NHL records and Milestones. Jagr recently passed his former teammate, Mario Lemieux, in career points to take over seventh spot on the list. He also recently became the NHLer with the most career game winning goals, scoring his 122nd GWG on December 18 against the Senators.

The Question Mark:

While the Canadiens have a bit of breathing room between themselves and the Wild Card teams, the Devils are one of 9 Eastern conference teams within 4 points of sixth place in the conference. So we want to hear your thoughts, which bubble team, the Capitals, Rangers, Wings, Leafs, Flyers, Devils, Jackets, Sens or Hurricanes, would give the Habs the most trouble in a playoff series?

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.

Posted in: carey price,jaromir jagr,Martin Brodeur,michael ryder,montreal canadiens,new jersey devils,Patrik Elias