The Montreal Canadiens look to finish off their worst month of the season by coming off of their best performance in a few weeks. They head to Boston to face off against the Boston Bruins in the second of four games between the two teams.
The Canadiens won the first game 2-1 on the back ofCarey Priceback in December – a win that believe it or not put Montreal on top of the Atlantic division. Oh, the good ol’ days. Price made 32 saves and the Canadiens got second period goals fromMax PaciorettyandTomas Plekanec.
Peter Budajgets the start tonight for the Habs, as Michel Therrien said he wanted to get Price rested to play both games this weekend against Tampa Bay and Winnipeg.
THE VITALS
THE GAME: Montreal Canadiens (28-20-5, 61 points) @ Boston Bruins (34-15-3, 71 points)
THE TIME: Thursday, January 30 2014, 7:00 p.m.
TV: RDS, NHLN-US, TSN-HABS, NESN
LIVE STREAM:NHL Game Center
THINGS TO WATCH
WithPeter Budajstarting, it means the Canadiens need to focus on their game defensively as they won’t have their star goaltender to bail them out. It may be a suave strategic move by Therrien, but it is a risk.
Budaj hasn’t started since January 8 against Philadelphia. He allowed three goals in a losing effort. He has lost his last three starts. His last win came all the way back on December 8 against the New Jersey Devils. Since that game, he has played in six games but only had three starts.
The Canadiens won’t be making any other lineup changes tonight which means thatGeorge ParrosandShawn Thorntonwill probably fight or we may get aBrandon Prust-filled undercard.
It will be interesting whetherMichael Bournivalplays the same role on the wing ofTomas PlekanecandBrian Giontaas he did at home against the Carolina Hurricanes.
Montreal has actually had success against the Bruins over the last few years despite Boston having the better team in the standings more often than not.
Tuukka Raskwill get the start for the Bruins.
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