Canadiens vs. Flyers: Game thread, rosters, lines, and how to watch

The Montreal Canadiens have actually managed to win a couple of games in a row and this evening they travel to the city of brotherly love for a date with the Philadelphia Flyers. The city itself celebrated their first ever Super Bowl victory with a parade in the streets earlier in the day, so the emotions will be running high for the home team this evening.

The Canadiens (22-25-6) beat the Anaheim Ducks 5-2 on Saturday afternoon. In the game, they jumped out to a quick three goal lead, chasing goaltender Ryan Miller after just seven shots. The game was quite the exciting game for the Habs backend, as four of the team’s five goals were scored by blueliners, with Jeff Petry leading with two. They also scored three on the man advantage, and Antti Niemi, getting a rare start, made 43 saves for his second win of the season.

The next afternoon, Montreal hosted Ottawa. All-star goaltender Carey Price was back to his usual spot between the pipes, and made 25 saves for his 15th win of the season in a 4-1 decision. Petry scored again, and forward Artturi Lekhonen snapped a 24-game drought with a pair of goals in the victory. Lekhonen’s four goals this season have all come against the Senators.

Habs captain Max Pacioretty, who was named Molson Cup winner for the month of January, has been resurgent as of late, now has 16 goals, only two behind Brendan Gallagher who leads the team with 18. He’s also leading his team with 33 points.

The Flyers (25-19-9) are currently in the first wild card spot, but it’s anybody’s game at this point in the playoff hunt, as they are just one point ahead of the Islanders, and two of the Hurricanes.

Philadelphia is coming into the game this evening having only won once in their last five games, a 2-1 overtime win over Carolina on Tuesday evening.

Their top scorers are forwards Jakub Voracek, Claude Giroux and Sean Couturier, Voracek’s 62 points place him currently tied for fourth in league scoring. Brian Elliott, in his first season in the orange and black, has 20 wins in the crease for the Flyers.

Tonight’s tilt will be the first meeting of these teams this season. Last year, the Canadiens took two of the three games between the two. Montreal won 3-1 and 5-4.

Puck drop is at 7:00 PM EST / 4:00 PM PST

How to watch

In Canada: RDS (French), TSN2 (English)
In the US: NBCSP

Elsewhere: NHL.tv/NHL GameCentre Live, NHL Center Ice

Montreal Canadiens projected lineup

Forwards

Defencemen

Goaltenders

Philadelphia Flyers projected lineup

Forwards

Defencemen

Goaltenders