HabsWorld.net --
The Boston Bruins are back at the Bell Centre riding an eight game winning streak, during which they have destroyed their opponents outscoring them by a 40-14 margin. Much of that success can be credited to sophomore Tyler Seguin who has 4 assists and 7 goals, 3 of which are game winners during their impressive run. However the last two losses the Bruins suffered came at the hands of the Canadiens in a home and home series in late October. Montreal doubled up on Boston in both games winning 2-1 and 4-2.
P.K. Subban will be playing in his 100th career game on Monday night the sophomore defenseman is off to a slow start production wise but has been burdened with the extra pressure of being the top defenseman playing most of his team leading 24 minutes per game against the top players on the opposing teams.
The Canadiens are not expecting any line up changes Monday as Hal Gill is still on the mend from his infected cut. Jaroslav Spacek, Chris Campoli and Andrei Markov are all skating but not threatening to return to action anytime soon. The Bruins on the other hand are injury free, except for that of Marc Savard who more than likely will never play in the NHL again.
Erik Cole and Max Pacioretty are both on fire for the Canadiens, Cole has 3 goals and 5 assists in the last 4 games and Pacioretty has 3 goals and 3 assists in the last 5. The two 6 foot 2 forwards are a sight for the sore eyes of Canadiens fans who have been clamoring for skilled players with size since the mid 1990’s. Cole who had just 2 goals and 2 assists in his first 11 games in Montreal appears to have found his niche with the club.
HW’s Victory Keys
Draw Penalties and make them Count: The Canadiens need to use their speed to draw power plays and must score while on the man advantage as the Bruins are the more successful team 5 on 5.
Faceoffs: The Bruins are the best in the league in the circle and the Habs will need to keep it as close as possible if the Bruins own the puck they will control the flow of the game.
Drive the net: Montreal creates many of their chances off transition and if they drive the net those chances are more likely to yield results.
Fun Facts
1. The Canadies have won 19 of the last 24 regular season meeting with the Bruins in Montreal.
2. Travis Moen needs just 1 goal for 50 in his career and 1 point for 100.
3. Boston currently has the greatest goal differential in the league at a +25 and are once again the top team in 5 on 5 situations.
4. Mike Cammalleri has 7 goals and 6 assists in 12 career games against the Bruins.
