Game 34: Canadiens vs Senators

#MTLHockey Preview

Match Up

The Canadiens (20-11-2) end their homestand Saturday when they host the Senators (14-12-6). The game is set to start at 7:00 and airs on TVA and City.

This is the first of four meetings between the Habs and Sens this season, and the first of two in Montreal. Last season the Habs went 3-1-1 against the Sens, winning the last three meetings. The last two times the Canadiens and Senators met, the Habs overcame three goal deficits to win.

David Desharnais scored in the final second of a 5-4 OT win to draw the Canadiens even in their March 15 win over the Sens, a game that the Habs trailed by three in with less than three and a half minutes remaining.

What to Watch

Desharnais has looked pretty good on a line with P.A. Parenteau since Lars Eller's injury. In the past three games Desharnais has two goals and two assist, while Parenteau has had a pair of assists of his own. The duo practiced on Eller's wings on Friday, which could mean that Alex Galchenyuk will get the opportunity to stay at center as Desharnais shifts to wing.

Kyle Turris is coming off consecutive two point nights, he has three goals and seven points in his last five games. With 23 points, Turris is tied with Erik Karlsson for the team lead, although at minus 12, Karlsson has the team's worst plus/minus rating.

What's at Stake

The Canadiens have taken six of eight possible points since their homestand began, they'll be looking to end on a high before hitting the road until after the New Year. The Senators are seventh of eight in the Atlantic division, but with 34 points in 32 games, it's still too early to count them out of the playoff race.

Who's Out

Max Pacioretty was forced to leave Thursday's game against the Ducks early when he was shoved into the boards by Clayton Stoner. Pacioretty was taken to hospital as a precaution, but the injury doesn't appear serious and he is listed as day-to-day. Defensemen Mike Weaver (concussion) and Bryan Allen (illness) could be healthy enough to dress Saturday, which would mean Michel Therrien will have a decision on who to sit.

The Senators are missing defensemen Patrick Wiercioch (undisclosed) and Marc Methot (back). Zack Smith (wrist) and Chris Neil (knee) are also out.

What Else

Paul MacLean was the first coach to lose his job this season when he was fired by the Senators earlier in the month. MacLean was replaced by David Cameron, MacLean's assistant since 2011. Despite a long coaching career in the AHL and OHL, this is Cameron's first head coaching job in the NHL. He brings a 3-1-1 record into Saturday's game.

The Question Mark

With the holidays around the corner, what would you get Marc Bergevin, Michel Therrien or your favorite Habs player for Christmas?

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 Senators.

Posted in: alex galchenyuk,david desharnais,erik karlsson,kyle turris,lars eller,max pacioretty,p.a. parenteau