#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.
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