GAME TIME: 7:30 PM – Bell Centre in Montreal
The Battle In Goal
Although originally, it was expected that Chris Mason would face the Canadiens tonight at the Bell Centre, it looks like Ondrej Pavelec will be between the pipes, he was the first to leave the ice at the Thrashers’ morning skate. On the Habs’ side, Carey Price will get the start.
Changes To The Power Play…Again
Coach Jacques Martin is started to thinking with a little bit more conventional logic by taking Tomas Plekanec off the point on the power play. Plekanec will be joining Andrei Kostitsyn and Michael Cammalleri on the first wave. While the move makes sense, there are still some holes in Martin’s thinking. The Habs’ coach will be putting P.K. Subban on the blue line on the first unit, along with…..Paul Mara? Mara has been a good soldier since his acquisition, but not because of his offensive prowess. Another enigmatic decision made by a desperate coach.
Dog Fight For The Last Play-Off Spot
The Canadiens, along with the New York Rangers, Buffalo Sabres and Carolina Hurricanes are in a fight for their play-off lives. With a loss tonight by the Habs, coupled with a Carolina win over the Washington Capitals, would leave the Canes just five points behind Montreal, with Wednesday’s tilt looming larger and larger. If the Canadiens cannot break their scoring slump, and put some wins on the board, they may be on the outside of the Stanley Cup Championships by week’s end
It’s Put Up Or Shut Up Time For Scott Gomez
After Saturday’s 2-0 loss versus Washington, Scott Gomez has assumed the role of Habs’ Nations most-hated Canadien. The boo birds were out in force on that night, as Gomez gracefully skated round the rink, generating absolutely nothing offensively. Tonight’s game is Gomez’s last chance to prove he still has what it takes to play hockey. His stats have been in decline since he left the New Jersey Devils. While some hate him, I still think he’s got some good hockey left in the tank. He proved that last post-season, so hopefully, he can see HIS post-season starts tonight. Good luck, Scott!
Echos for the Morning Skate
There were a few players who chimed in on the importance of tonight’s effort against the Atlanta Thrashers.
Lars Eller
James Wisniewski
P.K. Subban
Ryan White
Check out my friend Melissa‘s take on tonight’s matchup.
Thrasher Backer and Cardiac Canes will get you ready for these two back-to-back match-ups.
As always, keep glued to Too Many Men On The Site for all things NHL.