#MTLHockey Preview
Match Up
The Canadiens (8-2-1) return home to host the Flames (6-4-2) Sunday night after completing their Western Canada road trip. The puck drops at 7:00, and the game airs on RDS and City.This is the second and final meeting between the Habs and Flames this year. The Canadiens took the first game less than a week ago, winning 2-1 in a shootout. Both regulation time goals were scored by defensemen in the first contest, Tom Gilbert got his first goal with the Canadiens after Flames captain Mark Giordano opened the scoring for Calgary.
What to Watch
If you're watching the Canadiens, it's a good idea not to turn the game off early. The Habs have scored 12 third period goals, just one less than they've scored in the first two periods combined. In fact, you can probably just tune in after the first. After 11 games into the season, the Canadiens have yet to take a lead into the first intermission, not altogether surprising considering they've scored just four first period goals.Johnny Gaudreau followed up his strong game against the Canadiens last week with an even stronger one against the Predators. Tuesdat he had an assist on the Flames only goal versus Montreal and tallied six shots, while Friday night he had five shots, the game winning goal and an assist, bring him to six points on the year.
What's at Stake
With 17 points in 11 games, the Canadiens have slipped to second overall in the league, trailing the Ducks by a point but holding a game in hand. The Lightning have also caught the Habs in the standings, but again the Bolts have played an extra game.Montreal will put their perfect home record to the test Sunday night. They'll be looking to improve on their 4-0-0 start at the Bell Centre.
Who's Out
The Canadiens got slightly banged up in Vancouver on Thursday, with a head shot to Alexei Emelin causing the most concern. Emelin did return to finish the game and it seems like he escaped without any lingering effects.The Flames are dealing with injuries to Matt Stajan (knee) and Joe Colborne (upper body), both of whom were knocked out of Tuesday's contest against the Habs, though Colborne could dress Sunday. Mikael Backlund (abdomen) is also missing. Reinforcement arrived for the Flames on Friday in the form of Michael Ferland, but the rookie was forced out of his first NHL game with an upper body injury.
What Else
Michel Therrien brought a whole new look to his forward lines at practice on Saturday, hoping to wake up his team's anemic offense. Dale Weise, skated with David Desharnais and Max Pacioretty, the same linemates he finished Thursday's game with in Vancouver.Alex Galchenyuk, could find himself at center Sunday if the practice lines hold. Look for him to play with Rene Bourque and Brendan Gallagher on his wings, while Lars Eller may line up beside Tomas Plekanec and P.A. Parenteau. Even the defensive pairings got a shake-up with Jarred Tinordi and Nathan Beaulieu practicing together.
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