The Canadiens are currently in the second wildcard spot but their position is far from comfortable. They do hold a 3 points lead on the Islanders but the New York outfit has two games in hand on the Tricolore (it will be 3 after today's match) and the Bruins are ahead Montreal by a single point but they also have a game in hand. Tonight will be just about the standings, no Price number 300 side story and no Pacioretty vs Montreal side story as he is currently injured.
No word yet as to who will man the Canadiens net but if I'm Claude Julien, considering this is the Bleu, Blanc, Rouge last game until December 28th, I put Carey Price in there again. Since Weber's return, Price has been back to his old self. Not only has he been solid but he's also been able to steal games behind a defence that is still problematic to say the least. Update: Julien has said Price would start if he felt up for it to some journalists according to Basu, confirmation should come around 13:45-14:00.
Speaking of the defence, I hope to see Kulak back in the line-up tonight perhaps instead of Schlemko, I still do not get what number 21 brings to the team...aside from turnovers and sloppy plays. Up front, it will be interesting to see if Julien sticks with the new lines the game against the Coyotes featured. It pains me to say but I think Charles Hudon could go back on the press gallery, he's just not suited to a fourth liner role and surely his time in Montreal must be running out. UPDATE: Schlemko is apparently not 100% (when is he ever) so Kulak draws in for him. Hudon out and Deslauriers in.
Finally, don't forget that quite a few Canadiens prospect will be featured in the World Junior Championship in Vancouver starting December 26th, should make the lack of Canadiens hockey more bearable. Last night the Canada easily beat Slovakia by a score of 6-1 in a pre tournament exhibition game. Nick Suzuki, the prospect received in the Pacioretty trade, scored a goal in the victory.
Photos from the second period between #TeamCanada and #Slovakia in #victoria at the #worldjuniors @iihf_wjc @hockeycanada #yyj pic.twitter.com/oeYmbWAPjG
— Victoria News (@VictoriaNews) December 22, 2018
Don't forget, puck drop is at 16:00 today! Enjoy the last Canadiens game before Christmas and let's hope the guys can get the 2 points.