Tonight’s match against the Philadelphia Flyers signifies the first meeting since last season’s conference semifinal, when the Habs lost to Philadelphia. That series loss left some unpleasant souvenirs with most of the returning Canadiens to this season’s squad. There is no doubt that this seasons’ Habs will be primed and motivated for a little vengeance.
Montreal has managed three out of four points in their first two games, both on the road, to start this season. A 2-1 shootout loss to Buffalo last Friday was followed by a 6-1 triumph over Toronto Saturday night. Tonight’s game represents the third away game in four nights for a road-weary Habs squad. During the regular season, Montreal is undefeated against Philadelphia in their last five games.
Tonight’s starting goalies should be Carey Price, and Martin Biron. Biron, the star of the Flyers playoffs run last season, fared poorly in his first game this season. He was pulled after allowing 4 goals on the first 14 shots, which lead to a 4-3 home opening loss to the New York Rangers. The Flyers are missing three regulars on defence, in Derian Hatcher, Ryan Parent & Randy Jones. The Habs are missing Chris Higgins, George Laraque and Francis Bouillon, although each of these injured players has resumed skating.