The Canadiens seek redemption from their loss against the Buffalo Sabres as they take to the road (where things have been more comfortable for them of late) to play the Washington Capitals tonight.
The NHL’s best home-team last season has the 10th best home record, this season. That being said, the Capitals have only dropped three games in regulation at the Verizon Center, and one of them was against the Canadiens, as Carey Price secured the win by stopping 16-shots in the 3rd period while the Canadiens clung to a 1-goal lead.
Tonight’s match-up features the league’s best powerplays. The Capitals rank second overall in the category, just behind the Canadiens by a percentage-point. Washington has the 3rd best powerplay at home, and Montreal has the best powerplay on the road.
No word on who will start in nets for the Canadiens tonight, but Andrei and Sergei Kostitsyn didn’t make the trip, and Ryan O’Byrne remains in British Columbia, tending to a personal affair.
According to Tarik El Bashir of Capitals Insider (via Twitter), Alex Semin practiced this morning and appears ready to return to the lineup.
*Odd Stat: When the Canadiens have outshot their opponents, they’re 6-8-1. When they’ve been outshot, they’re 12-11-2.
****************
10 Questions:
1. Do you like how Jacques Martin has handled the goalies so far, this season?
2. Who would be your priority signing if you were in Gainey’s shoes: Halak or Price?
3. Do you feel that if Bob Gainey doesn’t negotiate with Tomas Plekanec during the season, he won’t get a deal done before July 1st?
4. Teams like Philadelphia, Carolina, and Anaheim have disappointed in the first half, and are candidates to be among the better teams in the second half. Do you think the Canadiens could be among one of the best teams in the second half of the season?
5. What do you feel the potential is for Benoit Pouliot?
6. Who do you feel is most likely to step up (that hasn’t been meeting expectations) for the Canadiens in the second half of the season?
7. Should Marc-Andre Bergeron be used as a forward or defenseman?
8. Who should be the Captain of the Montreal Canadiens?
9. Given Cedrik Desjardins MVP-like AHL season, do you think it’s more likely Halak will be traded?
10. It’s early, but, Latendresse or Pouliot?
**********
You may remember this blog
Players Should Wear Protection on Back of Leg
Kevin Bieksa of the Vancouver Canucks is the latest victim, with severed tendons around his ankle. This is the second time in three years he's been cut deeply by a skate blade on the back of the leg.
Montreal Canadiens Blogger • 
Join the Discussion:
»