The Canadiens visit Raleigh for the last time this regular season as the Habs and Canes tangle at the RBC tonight. Both teams have been struggling with injuries, and both teams powerplays have been pitiful or "nonexistent", as Montreal coach Guy Carbonneau stated.
Montreal has actually dropped below Carolina and is currently ranked 29th in the league at 13%. According to NHL.com, the Canes are ranked 27th at 13.2%.
Carey Price will be sitting out this game for Montreal, as will Christopher Higgins, Saku Koivu, Mathieu Dandenault, and Mike Komisarek.
The Hurricanes injured list shortened up a bit, but Frank Kaberle, Anton Babchuk, and Niclas Wallin are still on the shelf.
Cam Ward will be facing Jaroslav Halak in net. While Ward is usually stellar against the Habs, Halak is no sloutch.
- Ward 8-7-3 GAA 2.63 SV% .912
- Halak 3-4-1 GAA 2.38 SV% .918
Justin Williams has also had good success in the past against the Canadiens. He has scored 6 goals and 18 assists for 24 points in 24 career games against the franchise. Perhaps he will get untracked tonight.
Streakin-
- Whitney has points in five straight games
- Staal has points in three straight
- Brind'Amour has points in three straight
- Ruutu has points in two straight
The Hurricanes have earned points in four consecutive games, (1-0-3), while the Habs have lost two in a row to the Caps and Bolts. Game time is at 7 and it will be broadcast by FS Carolinas.
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Once again, congratulations to Jonathan for earning the most Canes Country Points and for winning the two tickets to see this game. He picked them up yesterday. Have fun!