Canadiens vs Predators game thread

After exploding with a six-goal performance on Saturday against the Eastern Conference leading New York Islanders, the Habs will look to defeat the best from the West tonight, a team from Tennessee, the Nashville Predators. With Pekka Rinne still out for the Preds, and Carey Price back between the pipes for the Habs, the Canadiens look poised to take 4 points out of 4 against the top two teams in the league.

Alex Galchenyuk will be back on the wing tonight for the Habs on a line with David Desharnais and Brendan Gallagher. The "GDG" line is back, and with no reason to complain about the change or criticize the Head Coach who took a very bad situation for David Desharnais and turned it around by putting him on the wing for a stretch of games. David had 3 goals and 1 assist in 12 games since he was moved to the wing a month ago, and has shown the character his coach loves to promote, playing with quiet confidence despite his demotion. Although he did not break the point-bank with his play over that stretch of games, he showed a lot of determination as his skills and place on this team had been brought into question by many fans.

On the other side of the ice, the Habs will have to deal with Mike Ribeiro and Filip Forsberg, who together have dominated the offensive game for the Predators combining for 77 points. On the blue-line there's also the threat of Roman Josi and Shea Weber who make a perfect combination with Josi's puck-carrying skill and Weber's unbelievably heavy slapshot.

The teams hit the ice at 7:30 PM EST. Go Habs Go!

In Canada (English): Sportsnet East

In Canada (French): RDS

In the Predators' Region: FSTN

Elsewhere: NHL Center Ice or NHL Gamecenter Live

Scratched: Mike Weaver

Injuries: P.A. Parenteau (concussion)

Scratched: Tyler Beck

Injuries: Ryan Ellis (lower-body), Pekka Rinne (sprained knee)

Check out the opposing side at On the Forecheck.