Canadiens vs. Capitals: Game Thread, roster, lines, and how to watch

In all the hallowed history of the Montreal Canadiens, there have only been six occasions where the Habs have reached 20 wins in under 30 games. If the Canadiens win tonight, they will have reached the 20-win milestone in the second-least amount of games in team history (1943-44, the Habs reached it in 25 games; in 1944-45 it took them 27 games).

Mike Condon is seeking his 10th NHL win in what will be his 17th start of the season. Condon looked solid in Tuesday's victory over the Blue Jackets, making 22 saves behind a defensive corps that spent much of the game down to four defensemen, with Alexei Emelin ejected from the game, and Nathan Beaulieu in the penalty box for most of the second period.

The Capitals are the hottest team in the NHL, on a five-game winning streak where they have scored 21 goals, and have only allowed 10. Alex Ovechkin has five points in his last five games (3G, 2A), while second-line centerman Evgeni Kuznetzov has eight points in his past five (2G, 6A). The Caps are closing in on the New York Rangers for top spot in the Metropolitan Division, now just two points back with three less games played.

The lineup Michel Therrien will be icing tonight in his 701st career game behind the bench is the lineup that ended the game on Tuesday, which includes a top line centered by David Desharnais with Max Pacioretty on his left side, and Dale Weise on his right side.

The puck drops at 7:30 PM EST.

How To Watch:
In Canada (French): RDS
In Canada (English): CityM
In the Capitals region: CSNDC
Elsewhere: NHL GameCenter, NHL Center Ice

Scratched: Greg Pateryn, Jarred Tinordi, Daniel Carr
Injuries: Carey Price (lower body) Brendan Gallagher (broken fingers), Torrey Mitchell (lower body), Alexander Semin (lower body), Michael Bournival (post-concussion syndrome)

Scratched: Chris Brown, Stanislav Galiev
Injuries: Brooks Orpik (lower body)

Check out the enemy over at Japer's Rink.

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