Game 37: Canadiens at Panthers

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Match Up

The Canadiens (23-11-2) are in Sunrise, Florida Tuesday night to face the Panthers (16-9-8). The puck drops at 7:30 and can be seen on RDS and Sportsnet East.

This is the first of five meetings between the Habs and Panthers this season, the teams will play twice more in Florida and twice in Montreal. The Habs and Cats split their four game series last season with each team picking up a 2-1 win in Montreal and a 4-1 win in Florida.

What to Watch

Carey Price continues to make his case as team MVP posting win number 20 on the season Monday in Carolina, but his 28-save performance the night before likely means it will be Dustin Tokarski between the pipes on Tuesday. Lars Eller and Jiri Sekac looked good on a line together in Carolina, they each scored for the Habs on Monday and finished the night plus-3 and plus-2 respectively.

Last year's top draft pick, Aaron Ekblad, is making a strong case for rookie-of-the-year considerations. He's third in rookie scoring with 19 points on the season and logs an average of 22 minutes per game. Only Nick Bjugstad has more points for the Panthers this year, with 20.

What's at Stake

The Panthers aren't nipping at the Habs' heels just yet, but they are making a strong push to reach the playoffs for just the second time since 2000. The Canadiens have eight more points than the Panthers, but the Cats have three games in hand on Montreal so a loss on Tuesday would mean that suddenly Florida is within striking distance of the Habs.

Former Habs assistant coach, Gerard Gallant, has impressed in his second stint as an NHL head coach, this is his first chance to face his former team this season.

Who's Out

The Canadiens go into their final game of 2014 with a healthy roster.
For the Panthers, off-season addition Shawn Thornton (groin) is the only player missing heading into Tuesday's game.

What Else

Despite a rough stretch at the end of November and carrying into the start of December where the team went 1-5-1, the Canadiens have quickly turned things around winning six of their last seven. The Habs look to end 2014 on a high note with another win and the chance to reclaim top spot in the Eastern Conference.

The Question Mark

What are your New Year's Resolutions for the Habs?

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 6:30 to preview the Canadiens and the Panthers.

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Game 36: Canadiens at Hurricanes

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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.

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Could The Montreal Canadiens Be Interested In Ryan O'Reilly?

Now that the NHL roster freeze has been lifted, will Habs GM Marc Bergevin continue to improve his roster prior to the trade deadline? The team currently sits third in the Atlantic division with a record of 22-11-2 for 46 points, only two points behind the Tampa Bay Lightning with two games in hand.

Montreal currently has a surplus of defensemen, with veterans Mike Weaver and Bryan Allen being on the outside looking in following the emergence of youngster Nathan Beaulieu. It would make sense for Bergevin to trade a rearguard to get some scoring punch in the team's top nine ahead of the playoffs.

One player who is reportedly on the trade market is Colorado Avalanche forward Ryan O'Reilly, who has two years remaining to his contract at $6 million/year. The Avs are looking for an established defenseman in return. 

O'Reilly being offered around the league for a good D-man. Florida and Winnipeg. Pondering, Toronto and Montreal too
— Adrian Dater (@adater) December 28, 2014

In 35 games, O'Reilly, the 23-year-old forward has 6 goals and 14 assists for 20 points to go along with a -11 rating on a very disappointing Colorado squad. O'Reilly, who can both play wing and center, had a much better campaign in 2013-14, potting 28 goals and 36 assists for 64 points in 80 games.

A solid two-way forward who is known for his discipline and respect on the ice only collected 14 penalty minutes over the past three seasons (144 games). He would certainly help the Canadiens in that area as the team is known to take too many penalties.

The Avalanche and the Canadiens have been trade partners in the past when the teams swapped two problems before the season with Daniel Briere going to Colorado and P-A Parenteau coming to Montreal.

Who would you give to the Avs in order to land Ryan O'Reilly via trade?
Lars Eller? Alexei Emelin? Jarred Tinordi? Sven Adrighetto?

With both teams being near the cap maximum, the deal would need to work financially.

*******************

Follow me on Twitter @FredPoulin98

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Game 35 - Canadiens at Islanders

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Match Up

The Canadiens (21-11-2) are in New York to take on the surprising Islanders (23-10-0) Tuesday night at the Nassau Coliseum. The game is set to start at 7:00 and airs on RDS and Sportsnet East.

This is the first of three meetings between the Habs and Isles this year, and the first of two in Long Island. Last season the Canadiens took two of three from the Islanders including a 21-save shutout performance by Carey Price to help the Habs to a 1-0 overtime victory last December.

What to Watch

The new top line of Alex Galchenyuk, Brendan Gallagher and Max Pacioretty have combined for seven goals in the last five games and look like they're here to stay, at least for the foreseeable future. With six points in his last three games and 24 points on the season, Galchenyuk has moved into second on the team in scoring.

The salary cap losses of others has been the Islanders' gain this season, the team was able to bolster their defense by adding Nick Leddy and Johnny Boychuk to the roster without giving up much in return. Boychuk leads the Isles in ice time per game, making him an integral part of the team's success so far this season.

What's at Stake

The Canadiens have a chance to catch the Islanders in the Eastern Conference standings with a regulation win on Tuesday, but more importantly, they can help solidify their spot at the top of the Atlantic Division.

Who's Out

The Canadiens are healthy again heading in to Tuesday's action, so it will be interesting to see who Michel Therrien dresses. Sven Andrighetto and Nathan Beaulieu both held down starting positions on Saturday and could dress again on Tuesday.

The Islanders are missing Michael Grabner (lower body) and Matt Carkner (back).

What Else

Last season the Habs finished the year 17th in face-off percentage, with a 49.6% success rate. The Predators led the league with a 53.1% efficiency. With the addition of Manny Malhotra this season, the Habs have jumped all the way to first winning 55.4% of their face-offs so far. At 62.4%, Malhotra leads the league in face-offs, winning over four percent more of his draws than Martin Hanzal or Patrice Bergeron in second and third place.

The Question Mark

It's almost Christmas and the Canadiens have a share of the division lead; say something nice about Michel Therrien.

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 Islanders.

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The 12 Habs of Christmas

In honor of the holidays, here is a Canadiens version of "The 12  Days of Christmas"

On the first day of Christmas the Habs gave to me a Stanley Cup in June

On the Second day of Christmas the Habs gave to me two Subban Slapshots
And a Stanley Cup in June

On the third day of Christmas the Habs gave to me three Galchenyuk goals
Two Subban Slapshots
And a Stanley Cup in June

On the fourth day of Christmas the Habs gave to me four Markov blocks

Three Galchenyuk goals
Two Subban Slapshots
And a Stanley Cup in June

On the fifth day of Christmas the Habs gave to me five Olympic Golds

Four Markov blocks

Three Galchenyuk goals
Two Subban Slapshots
And a Stanley Cup in June

On the sixth day of Christmas the Habs gave to me six wins in a row

Five Olympic Golds

Four Markov blocks

Three Galchenyuk goals
Two Subban Slapshots
And a Stanley Cup in June

On the seventh day of Christmas the Habs gave to me seven Gallagher hits

Six wins in a row

Five Olympic Golds

Four Markov blocks

Three Galchenyuk goals
Two Subban Slapshots
And a Stanley Cup in June

On the eighth day of Christmas the Habs gave to me eight penalty kills

Seven Gallagher hits

Six wins in a row

Five Olympic Golds

Four Markov blocks

Three Galchenyuk goals
Two Subban Slapshots
And a Stanley Cup in June

On the ninth day of Christmas the Habs gave to me nine broken sticks

Eight penalty kills

Seven Gallagher hits

Six wins in a row

Five Olympic Golds

Four Markov blocks

Three Galchenyuk goals
Two Subban Slapshots
And a Stanley Cup in June

On the tenth day of Christmas the Habs gave to me ten power plays 

Nine broken sticks

Eight penalty kills

Seven Gallagher hits

Six wins in a row

Five Olympic Golds

Four Markov blocks

Three Galchenyuk goals
Two Subban Slapshots
And a Stanley Cup in June

On the eleventh day of Christmas the Habs gave to me eleven Price saves

Ten power plays 

Nine broken sticks

Eight penalty kills

Seven Gallagher hits

Six wins in a row

Five Olympic Golds

Four Markov blocks

Three Galchenyuk goals
Two Subban Slapshots
And a Stanley Cup in June

On the twelfth day of Christmas the Habs gave to me twelve Oles 

Eleven Price saves

Ten power plays 

Nine broken sticks

Eight penalty kills

Seven Gallagher hits

Six wins in a row

Five Olympic Golds

Four Markov blocks

Three Galchenyuk goals
Two Subban Slapshots
And a Stanley Cup in June

Happy Holidays Habs fans and Go Habs Go

A Habs fan blogging from BC

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Game 34: Canadiens vs Senators

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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.

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Game 33: Canadiens vs Ducks

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Match Up

The Canadiens (20-10-2) are home to host the Ducks (21-7-5) and pay tribute to former captain Saku Koivu on Thursday. The game is set to start at 7:30 and airs on RDS and City Montreal.
This is the first of two meetings between the Habs and Ducks this season, and the only one in Montreal. The Canadiens actually managed to beat the top seed of the Western conference in both of their matches last season. Dustin Tokarski backstopped the Canadiens to a 4-3 shootout win in Anaheim with a little help from both posts when he faced Kyle Palmieri in the shootout.

Kyle Palmieri's penalty shot walks the goal line tightrope. Originally posted by @GregBallochST.

What to Watch

Alex Galchenyuk notched his first career hat trick Tuesday night against the Canes, lifting him up to 9 goals and 21 points on the season. Max Pacioretty picked up three primary assists, setting up each of Galchenyuk's goals on Tuesday. Pacioretty now leads the team with 25 points on the year.
Ryan Kesler is having a strong year with his new team, the former Canuck has 11 goals and 26 points in 33 games this season. Ryan Getzlaf leads the way for Anaheim, he has 34 points already this season, eighth overall in the NHL.

What's at Stake

The top of the Atlantic division is getting pretty crowded, with four teams separated by just two points for the division lead. With 42 points apiece, the Canadiens and Red Wings are sandwiched in between the Lightning at 43 and the Maple Leafs at 41.

Who's Out

Sven Andrighetto has been sent back to Hamilton after a fairly successful four-game stint with the Habs. Lars Eller (upper body), Mike Weaver (concussion) and Bryan Allen (illness) have all returned to practice and are cleared for contact, the trio should be available to play Thursday if needed.
Kyle Palmieri (shoulder) is the latest Duck to go down with injury, leaving Tuesday's game against the Leafs. He joins Corey Perry (knee), Francois Beauchemin (finger) and Eric Brewer (foot) on the sidelines.

What Else

Saku Koivu played with the Canadiens from 1995 to 2009, he wore the "C" for ten seasons starting in 1999. Koivu played 792 games in bleu blanc et rouge, scoring 641 points, tenth most in team history, and 450 assists, ranking him sixth all-time amongst Canadiens.
Of course, Koivu's most memorable moment in a Canadiens uniform came on April 9, 2002. He was diagnosed with cancer in September of 2001 and spent almost the entire season receiving treatment before returning on the third to last game of the season, receiving one of the largest ovations in team history. Koivu then led the team to an improbable playoff series win against the top-seeded Boston Bruins.

The Question Mark

Apart from Koivu's return after beating cancer, what other moment in his career stands out for you?

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 6:30 Thursday to preview the Canadiens and the Ducks.

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