Jan 20 Canadiens vs Blues Preview Notes

Had the Canadiens stepped up on what was their most important 2 game set so far this season and won both games, there would have been a 3 time tie for 5th place between the Habs, the Senators and the Bruins. Instead, the Canadiens have reverted back to early season form which saw them play disastrous 2nd periods, resulting again in them losing the game. While most are blaming bad goaltending, I am looking squarely at defensive breakdowns which are causing odd man rushes or opposing team players being open for the cross ice pass.

After 2 days off, the Canadiens are back at home taking on the St-Louis Blues. The Canadiens are playing the same 500 hockey at home (11-11-3) as they are on the road (12-12-1). The Blues however, are a very good road team (12-6-4). With both teams still very much in the playoff hunt, the Blues may also feel a deeper sense of emergency, being 8 points out of 8th place, versus 2 points for the Canadiens. St-Louis is playing their 2nd game of a 3rd game road swing, which started with a loss Monday night against Columbus.

This will be the first meeting between this two teams this season. The Canadiens have a massive edge in the lifetime stats against the Blues, with a 71-25-22 series lead.

Montreal's powerplay has struggled of late, and is now #2 overall in the NHL. However, they dropped to 23rd when looking at their power play at home. St-Louis' powerplay is 24th overall, but jumps to 9th on the road.

Both Kostitsyn brothers will be out. Ryan O'Byrne will most likely be in the lineup for the Canadiens.

The Blues do have 2 former great players who are on the wrong side of their career in Paul Kariya and Keith Tkachuk, both who did score in their 4-2 loss against Columbus.

After going 5 game without a point, Tomas Plekanec does have 2 points in his last 2 games. Linemate Mike Cammalleri has 2 goals and 1 assist in his last 3 games. Coach Martin is still holding auditions for the 3rd forward to join them.

Scott Gomez is still "tearing it up" (1 goal 8 assists in 10 games) ever since Brian Gionta (5 goals and 4 assists in 10 games) has returned from injury. Doing his part is Benoit Pouliot, who has scored 6 goals and adding 1 assist since joining the Canadiens.

Tags: habs \ hockey \ Montreal Canadiens \ NHL \ St-Louis Blues