Game Thread: Habs Take On Surging Blackhawks
It was bad enough the Montreal Canadiens had to face, and fall flat against, the Eastern Conference leading Boston Bruins on Monday. Things don't get any better for them tonight, as they visit the Chicago Blackhawks.
The Canadiens, so far this season, have yet to lay claim to a 15-goal scorer. The Blackhawks have three, as well as four players over 30 points. Tomas Plekanec is the closest the Habs have right now at 26 points, while Cole is the closest to the 15 goal mark with 13.
Peter Budaj gets the call in goal for the Canadiens, and is 4-4-1 (2.99, .900) against the Blackhawks in his career. It's a bit of a surprise move considering Carey Price is 2-1 (1.66, .954) against Chicago. Budaj's last appearance against Chicago came last season (while with the Colorado Avalanche), a 4-0 loss.
Corey Crawford has been less than spectacular this season for the Blackhawks, and makes his second career start against the Habs. His first appearance was a 2-1 overtime loss on April 5 at the Bell Centre. Ray Emery had made the last six starts for Chicago, winning five straight until the Penguins snapped that streak last night.
Daniel Carcillo (head injury) missed Wednesday's game against Pittsburgh, and is out tonight.
Interesting Stat: Via Heather Engels on Twitter; The Habs are 3-2 in the opening half of back-to-back games this season. The Blackhawks are 5-1-1 on the back end.
MONTREAL CANADIENS PROJECTED LINEUP
Forwards
Mike Cammalleri - Tomas Plekanec - Travis Moen
Max Pacioretty - David Desharnais - Erik Cole
Andrei Kostitsyn - Lars Eller - Louis Leblanc
Mathieu Darche - Petteri Nokelainen - Mike Blunden
Defensemen
Goalies
Peter Budaj - Carey Price
CHICAGO BLACKHAWKS PROJECTED LINEUP
Forwards
Viktor Stalberg - Jonathan Toews - Patrick Kane
Patrick Sharp - Marcus Kruger - Marian Hossa
Andrew Brunette - Dave Bolland - Michael Frolik
Bryan Bickell - Jamal Mayers - Brandon Pirri
Defensemen
Niklas Hjalmarsson - Brent Seabrook
Steve Montador - Sean O'Donnell
Goalies
Corey Crawford - Ray Emery
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