Habs Visit Pens to Start a Must-Win Weekend

by Kevin van Steendelaar on Jan 20, 2012 6:00 PM EST in Habs Game Threads

Montreal Canadiens at Pittsburgh Penguins, Jan 20, 2012 7:00 PM EST

PITTSBURGH, PA -Montreal Canadiens defenceman Hal Gill could be a healthy scratch tonight against the Pittsburgh Penguins. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)

This coming weekend could have a major impact on the future of the Montreal Canadiens for the 2011-12 NHL season.

The Habs are ten points back of the last playoff spot in the Eastern Conference, and play back-to-back games against a pair of teams sitting on the cusp of the post season sweepstakes. The Canadiens cannot afford to lose the game period, and a three-point game is definitely not acceptable. Their opponents will likely not be in favour of either scenario, so expect a fight out of them.

More on the other team tomorrow, but first up is the Pittsburgh Penguins, who are coming home after a 4-1 win last night over the New York Rangers. The Pens have now won four straight, after losing a haf-dozen games in a row.

Leading the offensive charge is Evgeni Malkin, who has stepped up in the absence of Sidney Crosby. In the 18 games since Crosby went back on the injured list, Malkin has 30 points (15 goals), and leads the NHL in scoring. The Russian forward has nine points in the Pens winning streak, including two goals last night.

The Penguins have not had it great, health wise, this season. Crosby is joined by Kris Letang (concussion), center Jordan Staal (sprained MCL) and rookie defenseman Simon Despres (lower body).

For the Canadiens, we could see the anchor on the penalty kill, Hal Gill, sit as a healthy scratch tonight. Chris Campoli was used in a Thursday practice that primarily focused on the stalled power play. Coach Randy Cunneyworth wouldn't tip his hand to any roster changes, but given Gill's decline in minutes, under the unpredictable Habs bench boss, conclusions are quickly being reached.

Cunnneyworth also wouldn't tip his hat to his starting goaltender, opening the door of possibility that Peter Budaj might get the call against Pittsburgh. The Habs backup goalie is 0-1-1 (2.43, .925) against the Penguins.

MONTREAL CANADIENS PROJECTED LINEUP

Forwards

Travis Moen - Lars Eller - Andrei Kostitsyn

Max Pacioretty - David Desharnais - Erik Cole

Rene Bourque - Tomas Plekanec - Michael Blunden

Mathieu Darche - Scott Gomez - [double shift]

Defensemen

Josh Gorges - P.K. Subban

Alexei Emelin - Raphael Diaz

Hal Gill - Tomas Kaberle

Yannick Weber

Goalies

Carey Price - Peter Budaj

PITTSBURGH PENGUINS PROJECTED LINEUP

Forwards

Chris Kunitz - Evgeni Malkin - James Neal

Matt Cooke - Pascal Dupuis - Tyler Kennedy

Eric Tangradi - Richard Park - Steve Sullivan

Craig Adams - Dustin Jeffrey - Joe Vitale

Defense Pairings

Brooks Orpik - Deryk Engelland

Paul Martin - Zbynek Michalek

Matt Niskanen - Ben Lovejoy

Goalies

Marc-Andre Fleury - Brent Johnson

Canadiens vs Penguins coverage

SBN Penguins coverage at PensBurgh

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Letang was back last game I believe. Won’t be seeing the game with you fine folks tonight, so enjoy.

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by Andrew Berkshire on Jan 20, 2012 6:42 PM EST reply actions

Leading the offensive charge is Evgeni Malkin, who has stepped up in the absence of Sidney Crosby. In the 18 games since Crosby went back on the injured list, Malkin has 30 points (15 goals), and leads the NHL in scoring.

Holy crap!

Will Eller make it to the second period before his “benching” for “lack of effort”?

by Olivier on Jan 20, 2012 7:00 PM EST reply actions

Hahaha, I don’t think so, man.

by Chris. on Jan 20, 2012 7:09 PM EST up reply actions

Cole gets boarded, Kunitz starts the fight and Pacioretty gets the extra two. Sweet.

by Chris. on Jan 20, 2012 7:17 PM EST reply actions

“Plekanec blows the wheel”? Fuck you TSN, he had a fucking stick around him. Bullshit.

by Chris. on Jan 20, 2012 7:19 PM EST up reply actions

Looking over the play-by-play

27-14-32 (vs. Malkin)
67-51-72
46-81-45 (vs. Park)
46-11-15

I’m guessing one of Eller or Gomez is the fourth line and the LW is rotating.

PP: 11 14 27 46 17… which is new.

by MathMan on Jan 20, 2012 7:57 PM EST reply actions

Fourth line appears to be Nokelainen, Blunden and Darche.

by Chris. on Jan 20, 2012 8:14 PM EST up reply actions

Well OK...

…up 3-1 while looking like a disorganized Friday night high school senior dance committee.

Nothing surprises me about this team any more.

by punkster on Jan 20, 2012 8:13 PM EST reply actions

I can only check in off the BB tonight, so I’ll catch the replay in the morning. I knew something was wrong if they scored 3x on 7 shots.

Nice to see a PP goal..only to give up a shorty.

Kevin van Steendelaar

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but don't forget...

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by Kevin van Steendelaar on Jan 20, 2012 9:07 PM EST via mobile up reply actions

Seems like no one is here today.

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by Andrew Berkshire on Jan 20, 2012 8:17 PM EST reply actions

Cole makes me rethink my position as a heterosexual on nights like these.

by Chris. on Jan 20, 2012 8:28 PM EST reply actions 1 recs

Wow. I need to start watching halfway through more often.

And wow, PK committing to that check almost turned really bad. Was that Darche on the backcheck there?

by Hunter Durfee on Jan 20, 2012 8:30 PM EST reply actions

I’m scared of what a Budaj win means in RC’s mind, if this ends up as a win.

by Hunter Durfee on Jan 20, 2012 8:33 PM EST reply actions

He got an assist too, so maybe he starts tomorrow as well.

Kevin van Steendelaar

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but don't forget...

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by Kevin van Steendelaar on Jan 20, 2012 9:09 PM EST via mobile up reply actions

Saturday against the Leafs? I sincerely doubt it. Unless RC wants to be murdered in a dark alley when he gets back to Montreal.

by Chris. on Jan 20, 2012 9:13 PM EST up reply actions

That does sound preferable to spending further time in Montreal…

by LeafInVancouver on Jan 20, 2012 9:21 PM EST up reply actions

Anyone else a fan of Cooke 2.0?

by Hunter Durfee on Jan 20, 2012 8:35 PM EST reply actions

No-one is watching and they win games.

I think we will have a new goalie contreversy… when Budaj plays, Montreal wins :)

by Chuck_L on Jan 20, 2012 8:44 PM EST reply actions

I hate Kathryn Tappen so much. She cannot speak without mangling one word or another, stumbling over her words, and/or getting facts completely wrong.\

“Budaj is in net for his 7th straight start.”

Please, go back to NESN. For some reason, they actually liked you there.

by Hunter Durfee on Jan 20, 2012 8:48 PM EST reply actions

Just caught up on the PVR

Damn friday night games…

Pittsburgh is fading.

Scoring chances:
1st: +4/-8 ES, +0/-1 PP +0/-2 PK
2nd: +5/-5 ES, +2/-1 PP

Lines are screwy:
Pleks: +3/-5, Moen +3/-3, Bourque +2/-2
DD +5/-2, Cole +5/-4, MaxPac +1/-4 (hurt himself? They are raising hell when joined wih AKost)
3rd/4th line doesn’t really exists: Gomez played more than Eller…

Gomez and Nokia +0/-4, AKost +5/-3…

Campoli/Subban, dunno who they are against but they sit at +3/-6
Gorges/Gill +4/-5 (some significant time against Malkin)
Khaberle/Emelin +2/-2

Definitely a new PP setup, Pleks doing time at the point and Gomez is centering the second wave.

by Olivier on Jan 20, 2012 8:56 PM EST reply actions

The TOI has been really wonky tonight.

by Chris. on Jan 20, 2012 9:00 PM EST up reply actions

Eller with 6 minutes, despite a goal? Fuck you, RC.

by Chris. on Jan 20, 2012 9:01 PM EST up reply actions

The goal was on a 1-3-1 setup. I’d like them to try more things like that rather than the terrifically ineffective point shots through traffic thing they were doing.

Writer for http://www.habseyesontheprize.com/

by Stephan Cooper on Jan 20, 2012 10:01 PM EST up reply actions

What do you mean Pittsburgh is fading?

Hockey Blogger at Pensburgh.com

by GoPens! on Jan 21, 2012 2:47 PM EST up reply actions

At the time it was posted, Pittsburgh had had a very strong first period but were letting the Habs take over in the middle of the second, following the Pacioretty goal.

by MathMan on Jan 21, 2012 3:11 PM EST up reply actions

Ah, I see. Thanks, I forgot this was a game thread.

Hockey Blogger at Pensburgh.com

by GoPens! on Jan 21, 2012 6:16 PM EST up reply actions

I tought they were fading, they weren’t getting scoring chances and letting the habs carry the play.

Bylsma, being a very very good coach, wouldn’t have any of it and played with his lines and matchups, shaking Malkin away from Plekanec and the rest is, as they say, history.

Bylsma is one of the reasons I love the Pittsburgh matchups; it’s always a treat to see him work his roster out of a funk (he did so the last time in Montréal).

by Olivier on Jan 21, 2012 4:43 PM EST up reply actions

Also, I was simply taking for granted the “second game in as many nights, means they will be tired” trope.

Yeah, we all get lazy from time to time :)

by Olivier on Jan 21, 2012 4:44 PM EST up reply actions

Completely understandable.

Hockey Blogger at Pensburgh.com

by GoPens! on Jan 21, 2012 6:16 PM EST up reply actions

The crowd thinks any contact against a Penguin should be a penalty, apparently.

by Hunter Durfee on Jan 20, 2012 9:21 PM EST reply actions

well the habs are not a physical team so any contact they make should be a penalty.

by Chuck_L on Jan 20, 2012 9:23 PM EST up reply actions

Just another night as a Habs fan.

by Chris. on Jan 20, 2012 9:33 PM EST reply actions

oh well, I guess Budaj can’t hold a lead…

by Chuck_L on Jan 20, 2012 9:33 PM EST reply actions

Isn’t it amazing? We get lucky vs. some goalie for once and we can’t effing hold the lead.

by MathMan on Jan 20, 2012 9:36 PM EST reply actions

now the real question is, will we loose in the shoot-out?

by Chuck_L on Jan 20, 2012 9:37 PM EST up reply actions

…how is that a question?

by MathMan on Jan 20, 2012 9:38 PM EST up reply actions

by Chuck_L on Jan 20, 2012 9:39 PM EST up reply actions

Did I mention..

that Malkin has been in a tear?

Did I also note that a 3-point game is unacceptable against these teams?

Kevin van Steendelaar

http://www.twitter.com/kvansteendelaar

but don't forget...

http://www.twitter.com/HabsEOTP

by Kevin van Steendelaar on Jan 20, 2012 9:46 PM EST via mobile reply actions

Is the goal still to make the playoffs? I forget.

by MathMan on Jan 20, 2012 9:48 PM EST up reply actions

Subban

If he doesn’t get disciplined now, he never will. I’m sick and tired of seeing him pull the same garbage antics continuously throughout his career and not get disciplined for it. That was a dirty, blatant slew foot on Kunitz, and he should be suspended given his past.

There’s a reason why he has the reputation he has among the rest of the league, and it’s not his skin color

by Matt Shaffer on Jan 20, 2012 9:48 PM EST reply actions

I’m sure you have no biases in saying that either.

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by Andrew Berkshire on Jan 20, 2012 9:51 PM EST up reply actions

Does it matter?

Can you really look at his past and say he’s remotely innocent? Yeah, he will be looked at as a “first-time offender”, but he has a long track record of dangerous play.

by Matt Shaffer on Jan 20, 2012 9:53 PM EST up reply actions

Yes, I can, because he has no such track record. What the fuck are you even talking about?

by Hunter Durfee on Jan 20, 2012 9:55 PM EST up reply actions

Oh of course, he’s a Broad Street Hockey frequenter.

by Hunter Durfee on Jan 20, 2012 9:59 PM EST up reply actions

+1

What are you talking about? Cite some examples please.

by BobbyF on Jan 20, 2012 10:04 PM EST up reply actions

Innocent, no. But there are FAR worse players with “clean” track records. And far worse players who don’t have his reputation as you call it.

Penguins fans have been right there with Bruins fans with Subban since he broke into the league, leading some phony charge to have him seen as the dirtiest player in the NHL.

Can you honestly say Subban is dirtier than Kunitz? Who’s only ever been suspended once despite constantly hitting players from behind?

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by Andrew Berkshire on Jan 20, 2012 10:07 PM EST up reply actions

Kunitz is one of the snaekiest dirty players in the league. A far dirtier and more dangerous player than Subban.

by JoeRubble on Jan 20, 2012 11:14 PM EST via mobile up reply actions

he should be suspended given his past.

Does he have any prior suspensions?

Kevin van Steendelaar

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but don't forget...

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by Kevin van Steendelaar on Jan 20, 2012 9:52 PM EST via mobile up reply actions

I’m sorry but Subban is not the only player that get’s away with stuff.

Lucic did a lot of thing without ever getting suspended. Progner is another one.

NHL discipline players according to their status on the team.

by Chuck_L on Jan 20, 2012 9:53 PM EST up reply actions

Lol. So because a commentator said it’s a slewfoot, it’s a slewfoot?

Look at the replay, Subban’s foot comes up when Kunitz is already off balance and falling. Not a slewfoot at all.

by Hunter Durfee on Jan 20, 2012 9:53 PM EST up reply actions

The joys of PVR hahaha

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by Andrew Berkshire on Jan 20, 2012 10:07 PM EST up reply actions

Hurricanes blanked the Capitals.

Who’s their coach? Is his contract up ?

Kevin van Steendelaar

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but don't forget...

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by Kevin van Steendelaar on Jan 20, 2012 9:51 PM EST via mobile reply actions

Washington isn’t and offensive powerhouse anymore.

Writer for http://www.habseyesontheprize.com/

by Stephan Cooper on Jan 20, 2012 9:52 PM EST up reply actions

My point was that RC couldn’t beat them.

Kevin van Steendelaar

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but don't forget...

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by Kevin van Steendelaar on Jan 20, 2012 9:54 PM EST via mobile up reply actions

I haven’t seen much but why am I unsurprised that the night they score on the powerplay they give up a SH goal?

Writer for http://www.habseyesontheprize.com/

by Stephan Cooper on Jan 20, 2012 9:51 PM EST reply actions

Desharnais and Gomez?

I’m fucking done.

by Chris. on Jan 20, 2012 9:52 PM EST reply actions

They are statistically some of the Habs’ best SO shooters.

by MathMan on Jan 20, 2012 9:53 PM EST up reply actions

Wouldn’t you rather put our two leading scorers in the line up instead? Two guys that had scored tonight?

by Chris. on Jan 20, 2012 10:05 PM EST up reply actions

Erik Cole is 1 for 6 lifetime, Pacioretty 0 for 8.

by MathMan on Jan 20, 2012 10:07 PM EST up reply actions

Pacioretty has scored before, because he scored in our only SO win this year I believe.

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by Andrew Berkshire on Jan 20, 2012 10:08 PM EST up reply actions

Right, 2-for-8, I misread that. Still worse than either Gomez or DD.

Still, this is the shootout. Guys who score in regular time don’t necessarily do well in the skills competition.

Not sure why Bourque isn’t getting used though.

by MathMan on Jan 20, 2012 10:17 PM EST up reply actions

Bourque and Kaberle should both be used. I wouldn’t use Gomez despite his record because just doesn’t have good enough of a shot.

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by Andrew Berkshire on Jan 20, 2012 10:18 PM EST up reply actions

Chris don;t bother … stats hats win here all the time…. nothing to do with players actual play the night of, always rebutted with the ‘absolute’ stat…. so because these two score tonight, and have not so good SO efficiencies they couldn’t possibly have a chance to score.

by Cruisin4aBruisin on Jan 20, 2012 10:09 PM EST up reply actions

I don’t think Math Man was supporting RC’s choice, but rather searching for something that might justify that choice.

by Hunter Durfee on Jan 20, 2012 10:17 PM EST up reply actions

The point is that using DD and Gomez may not be the best or only option, but it is not unreasonable.

Blaming the coach for going with the guys who’ve done best in the past isn’t appropriate. You may disagree with the decision, but it is rational decision, unlike say, throwing Eller into tough minutes and benching him when it flounders.

by MathMan on Jan 20, 2012 10:19 PM EST up reply actions

Yeah, that’s what I thought you were getting at. I personally didn’t care who he put in the shootout. At that point I always just accept the fact that we had a 1 point game and might get a 2nd if lucky.

by Hunter Durfee on Jan 20, 2012 10:31 PM EST up reply actions

I think it’s pretty clear that “earpiece-to-GM” LaCariere got instructions from the GM to not use a skilled shooter and instead play gomez. Gotta get that draft pick you know?

Montreal Canadiens///Toronto Blue Jays///Baltimore Ravens

by rsty on Jan 20, 2012 10:42 PM EST up reply actions

Chris is a stats hat, so stop playing the persecution card.

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by Andrew Berkshire on Jan 20, 2012 10:19 PM EST up reply actions

Randy wanted to make sure they didn’t get the extra point.

He put 2 guys that can shoot and sabotage the sticck of his only shooter :)

by Chuck_L on Jan 20, 2012 9:54 PM EST up reply actions

Finally hit a game where a goalie gives them 4 goals on a handful of shots.

Lose in a shootout.

I guess the season continues on.

by MathMan on Jan 20, 2012 9:54 PM EST reply actions

In good news, apparently Kostitsyn is willing to take bellow market value to stay in Montreal.

Writer for http://www.habseyesontheprize.com/

by Stephan Cooper on Jan 20, 2012 10:02 PM EST reply actions

Where did you hear that great news?

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by Andrew Berkshire on Jan 20, 2012 10:10 PM EST up reply actions

Look at Boone’s live blog on HIO, it’s the first remark after “Welcome aboard”

by hansolo759 on Jan 20, 2012 10:11 PM EST up reply actions

Nice! And all that BS about the org and Kostitsyn not getting along seems to be garbage like many here thought.

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by Andrew Berkshire on Jan 20, 2012 10:14 PM EST up reply actions

Hopefully he gets traded and then re-signs in the offseason. I like the idea of him on the team, but with the season in the gutter they need to acquire some assets to get some value from it.

by JoeRubble on Jan 20, 2012 11:19 PM EST via mobile up reply actions

Is he on crack?

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by Bruce Peter on Jan 20, 2012 11:55 PM EST up reply actions

I’d bet he was asked about the off-season and he’s saying the “right thing”.

by Roke on Jan 20, 2012 11:56 PM EST up reply actions

Since when do the Habs play games on Fridays?

by Roke on Jan 20, 2012 10:17 PM EST reply actions

Gotta get them tired for HNIC against the Leafs. Can’t have Canada’s Team™ look bad on national TV.

by MathMan on Jan 20, 2012 10:25 PM EST up reply actions

I will take the blame for he blown lead. I left before the third period started.

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by Bruce Peter on Jan 20, 2012 11:56 PM EST reply actions

apology accepted

by hab a good time on Jan 21, 2012 2:10 AM EST up reply actions

Subban...

more turnovers then a bakery, Budaj plays lousy, the long nightmare that is Scott Gomez continues, blow a lead in the third period, lose in the shootout, Groundhog Day.

Nothing Is Fool proof if you have the right fools.

by GiantsCauseway on Jan 21, 2012 8:24 AM EST reply actions