Hurricanes at Canadiens
THE STORY: The Montreal Canadiens are starting to catch fire at an opportune time in the season. The Canadiens ran their winning streak to four games by breezing to a 5-0 triumph over fellow Original Six club Toronto on Saturday. The victory brought the Canadiens to within seven points of the eighth-place Maple Leafs. Montreal will look to trim the deficit even further Monday when the Carolina Hurricanes pay a visit to the Bell Centre.
TV: 7:30 p.m. ET, RDS (Canadiens), FS Carolina (Hurricanes)
ABOUT THE HURRICANES (20-25-11): Defenseman Jaroslav Spacek poked a bit of fun at his former team. "Now that Habs are starting to win, maybe they're measuring fingers for Stanley Cup rings," joked Spacek, who was traded from Montreal on Dec. 9. Spacek's current team isn't laughing when it hits the road this season, winning only six of 27 games (6-13-8). The Hurricanes, who dropped a 4-3 overtime decision to the Colorado Avalanche on Friday, will look to salvage the finale of their three-game road trip.
ABOUT THE CANADIENS (23-24-9): Goaltender Carey Price has two shutouts and yielded only four goals in his last four contests. The All-Star has been in net for a pair of victories over Carolina this season, including a 25-save shutout Nov. 16. Randy Cunneyworth hit the nail right on the head following Saturday's victory. "No matter who we’re playing, we have to play this kind of hockey,” the interim coach said. “We were rewarded for playing the right way." After Monday's date with Carolina, the rival Bruins pay a visit to the Bell Centre.
OVERTIME:
1. Hurricanes goaltender Cam Ward has been sensational as of late, permitting only 15 goals in his last nine starts. Ward is 12-7-3 in his career versus Montreal, but has dropped both matches this season.
2. Canadiens left wing Max Pacioretty has collected four goals in his last two games, but only has mustered one tally and an assist in six career meetings versus the Hurricanes.