Rangers at Canadiens
THE STORY: Home has not been kind to the Montreal Canadiens lately. However, they attempt to continue their success against the New York Rangers at the Bell Centre when the clubs face off on Sunday. Montreal has lost eight of its last 11 home games, including its last two. But the Canadiens have won five consecutive home meetings with the Rangers, who enter the matchup with a four-game road winning streak. New York has captured 10 of 12 away from home and 11 of 13 overall, but has lost six of its last eight contests against Montreal. The Canadiens have dropped three straight matches and 10 of 13.
TV: 7 p.m. ET, NBCSN, RDS, TSN-Habs (Montreal)
ABOUT THE RANGERS (28-10-4): Controversy apparently follows Sean Avery wherever he goes. Currently with Connecticut of the AHL for the second time this season after clearing waivers on Dec. 30, Avery was scratched from the Whale's lineup Friday for disciplinary reasons. Rumors had him spitting on coach Ken Gernander, but the Rangers denied the allegation. But a source told Yahoo! Sports that Avery is unhappy in the AHL and told Gernander he wouldn't play in Friday's game. Avery did see action against Norfolk on Saturday and recorded an assist while collecting 12 minutes in penalties, including a 10-minute misconduct for abuse of officials.
ABOUT THE CANADIENS (16-20-8): Scott Gomez made his return to the lineup Saturday following a 21-game absence due to a groin injury. The 32-year old, who had not played since Nov. 23 at Carolina, saw 16 minutes, 46 seconds of ice time but did not record a point or shot on goal. Gomez has registered four assists in 14 games this season. Newcomer Rene Bourque served the final game of his five-game suspension Saturday and is expected to make his Canadiens debut against the Rangers. Bourque notched 13 goals and three assists in 38 games with Calgary prior to being acquired on Jan. 12 in the Mike Cammalleri deal. David Desharnais has recorded a point in six of his last seven games.
OVERTIME:
1. Montreal has lost eight of its last 11 games against Eastern Conference rivals.
2. The home team has won five straight matchups in the all-time series and eight of the last 10.