Flyers at Canadiens
THE STORY: The Montreal Canadiens face a tough challenge Thursday when they host the road-dominant Philadelphia Flyers. Philadelphia is tops in the Eastern Conference and an impressive 11-3-1 on the road. In their first test without All-Star Claude Giroux, who is sidelined indefinitely with a concussion, the Flyers looked no worse off as they dismantled the Washington Capitals 5-1 Tuesday night in D.C. It was the Flyers' sixth straight win. Meanwhile, Montreal has posted just five home wins this year. The Habs, however, may have turned a corner with their 5-3 home win over the New York Islanders on Tuesday, posting back-to-back wins for the first time since Nov. 10-12. Montreal has also picked up at least a point in seven of its last eight games. The teams split the first two games, each winning on home ice.
TV: 7 p.m. ET, RDS, TSN, NHLN-US, CSN-PH
ABOUT THE FLYERS (19-7-3): With the NHL scoring leader out of action, the Flyers' offense has spread far and wide. Scott Hartnell, who sparked the winning streak, has six goals and two assists in the six games. Wayne Simmonds has scored in three straight, a career high for the winger. Thirteen of 18 Flyers had at least a point Tuesday, including five different goal scorers. Philadelphia has 106 goals to date, making it the first and only team in the NHL to break the 100-goal plateau.
ABOUT THE CANADIENS (13-11-7): Montreal has not lost in regulation in its last six games, while goaltender Carey Price is 3-0-2 since Dec. 3. Recently acquired defenseman Tomas Kaberle has three assists in his first two games, and seven points in his last four. On Tuesday against the New York Islanders, the Canadiens had 13 different skaters on the score sheet with at least a point. The Habs' penalty kill may be their strongest asset, ranked second in the Eastern Conference at 89.4 per cent.
OVERTIME:
1. Giroux was named the Pro Athlete of the Year last week by the Philadelphia Sports Writers Association.
2. Flyers founding owner and current chairman Ed Snider was inducted into the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame on Monday. The Class of 2011 also includes former Montreal defenseman Chris Chelios.
3. With a win over Philadelphia, the Canadiens would post back-to-back wins on home ice for the first time since Oct. 26-29.