HabsWorld.net --
Montreal has now lost five of their last seven games and two in a row in regulation twice in their last five games. Things will not get any easier for the Canadiens this afternoon as they host the Atlantic Division leading New Jersey Devils and Martin Brodeur. The Devils have won two in a row and picked up points in nine of their last ten games.
Still sick and tired the Canadiens have more questions about their line-up again today. Saku Koivu and Guillaume Latendresse who missed yesterdays game with the flu are still questionable for this afternoon. Radek Bonk who limped off the ice in the second period yesterday has an unknown status as no report as been issued by the team as to the severity of the injury. Mikhail Grabovski and Maxim Lapierre who were recalled from Hamilton for yesterdays game both may be in the line-up again tonight.
Yesterdays loss for the Canadiens was the first loss in a game this season in which they scored three or more power play goals. Unfortunately for the Canadiens the only even strength offence they could muster was a disallowed goal by Grabovski in the second period because the referee had lost sight of the puck and blown the play dead.
Cristobal Huet will be back in goal for the Canadiens after having the day off yesterday. Huet has never beaten the New Jersey Devils in his four attempts. Huet has a 3.06 goal against average and .900 save percentage against the Devils. Brodeur on the other hand is 31-12-5 against the Canadiens with a 1.77 goals against average and .932 save percentage.
Fun Facts
1. Scott Gomez currently has a five game point streak against the Canadiens registering 4 goals and nine assists in that time frame. Prior to that he had gone four consecutive without a point against the Canadiens.
2. At six games the New Jersey Devils are in the midst of their longest winning streak against the Canadiens in fantasise history. Prior to that they had won 4 in row between 2000 and 2001.
3. Chris Higgins has scored a goal in three of his last four meetings with the Devils.
4. Montreal has won 8 straight games on Sundays.
