Jennifer B Cutler: Habs visit the Red Wings as they embark on a 5 game road trip The Montreal Canadiens visit Joe Louis Arena to play the Detroit Red Wings Saturday night in the first of five consecutive road games. 5 Questions.

Good stuff as always, Jen!

As for the questions....

1) Will Artturi Lehkonen be able to step up after having missed the last three weeks with his injury or will he have to shake off the rust?
I think the 3rd line is the perfect place for him to start. Trying to insert him back on the 2nd would put too much pressure on him right off the bat.


2) How much longer will Paul Byron stay on the Canadiens first line?
As long as he keeps producing, and playing hard, he's earning his keep I say. His speed allows him to keep up with Galchenyuk, so why not? Once we hit Cali, though, and play against larger opponents, that may change.

3) Max Pacioretty broke through to score the game winning goal against the Hurricanes by going to the net and capitalizing on a rebound. Is this the start of a new hot streak for him?
If he keeps going after the puck, wherever that may be, and actually keeps trying hard, there's no reason it can't be the start. He's got the talent, he just needs to add the work ethic to match. If he does? There's no stopping him.

4) Will the Canadiens top four defensemen get overtaxed on the road or will Mark Barberio and Greg Pateryn be able to step up and provide quality third unit minutes?
I think the two will be a pleasant surprise, ESPECIALLY on the western trip where more physicality is needed. It'll be good...for now.

5) What will be the final score?
I hate this part, but Mr Saturday Night is playing, so I'm gonna guess 3-2 for the good guys!

Score 5 to 1.5. The second goal is called back because Justin abdelkader interferes the goalie. Canadiens win.

1) Will Artturi Lehkonen be able to step up after having missed the last three weeks with his injury or will he have to shake off the rust?

Wasn't scoring very much before injury, so I doubt he'll light up the lamp this time out.

2) How much longer will Paul Byron stay on the Canadiens first line?

I thought it would be a one game experiment. Very pleasantly surprised so far. As long as no one (especially him) starts thinking he's a 30+ goal scorer, he can stay as long as the line doesn't suffer a prolonged slump.

3) Max Pacioretty broke through to score the game winning goal against the Hurricanes by going to the net and capitalizing on a rebound. Is this the start of a new hot streak for him?

Let's wait until there is an actual streak before labelling it "hot" (or anything else).

4) Will the Canadiens top four defensemen get overtaxed on the road or will Mark Barberio and Greg Pateryn be able to step up and provide quality third unit minutes?

These two should be able to give 13-15 minutes of decent play. Will have to be alert to not have them match up against top lines too often, despite being on the road.

5) What will be the final score?

3-2 Canadiens (or 4-2 with empty netter). Price will be the key again.

3-2 Det

Gotta love Radulov...
that set up on the OT winner to Chucky was perfect.

3-2 Det
- Symba007

wrong again