Tuesday February 15, 2011
Montreal Canadiens vs. Buffalo Sabres
The last time these teams met, I was at the game in Buffalo, and things didn’t go so well. As you may remember, Cammalleri went down with a shoulder injury, and remains out to this day. Subban took a shot to the ankle and limped off the ice, but managed to finish the game. Pacioretty took a Wisniewski slap shot to the chest and had to be rushed to the hospital. Although originally slated to miss 4-6 weeks, he returned for the next game and had a goal and an assist. How’s that for heart?
The injury bug has continued to bother the Canadiens this season, but they have gotten a wonderful response from their AHL callups. Pacioretty is a force. Desharnais is unbelievable and is turning Pouliot into the player everyone knows he can be. Ryan White is a forechecking superstar and has added some much needed grit to this smallish team. Yannick Weber has finally elevated his play to a point where he can be considered an NHL regular.
Things are looking good in Montreal. Some minor tweaking and this team could be a force to be reckoned with.
Who’s out?
Montreal
- Andrei Markov (Torn ACL-out indefinitely)
- Josh Jorges (out indefinitely)
- Mike Cammalleri (Shoulder)
- Mathieu Darche (Game Time decision)
- Hal Gill (Game time decision)
Buffalo
- Derek Roy
- Steve Montador
Keys to the Game
The Habs need to play their game. Speed and sharp passing. Don’t get caught up in the annoyances of players like Gaustad, Gerbe and Kaleta. Just skate around them and laugh at them after you score.
Price should continue his always stellar play against Buffalo.
My Prediction
Montreal 3 – Buffalo 1
***update – The Canadiens have called up Brendon Nash from the Bulldogs. Will Picard now be a healthy scratch? Is a trade imminent?
HABit 