The Montreal Canadiens visit the Senators in Ottawa tonight. Just two nights ago the Habs edged the Sens 3-2 in a shootout. Montreal matches up very well against Ottawa and have won three of four.
Last game, goalie Carey Price came up big turning aside 35 of 37 shots. It was once again a productive night for the Habs number one line. Cole scored a goal and Desharnais added the other before going on to score the shootout winner. Luckily for Montreal, the Desharnais line is producing.
One player who is not is Rene Bourque. Since coming over from Calgary, Bourque has only seven points in 27 games, is minus-17 and only averages one hit per game with 27. Yesterday, Habs Coach Randy Cunneyworth publicly voiced his disappointment with Bourque saying he can definitely do more. We will find out tonight if the message got through to the Habs #27.
You would think the Senators will be very motivated for this game. One reason is the proximity of the two cities - there is a certain rivalry. Secondly, and more importantly, Ottawa can move ahead of Boston and grab the number one spot in their division. The Bruins have 83 points thus far, and Ottawa is only one point behind at 82.
The two teams will ice pretty much the same lineups as last game. There is one change for Montreal on defence as Andrei Markov is out with what is being called an upper body injury. Habs Alexei Emelin will replace him in the lineup. He will be a welcome addition in what could end up being a physical game.
Canadiens-Senators gametime is 7pm from the Nation's Capital.
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