Canadiens at Lightning
THE STORY: The Montreal Canadiens were relatively quiet at the trade
deadline Monday, dealing enigmatic forward Andrei Kostitsyn for draft
picks. The Tampa Bay Lightning could have two of three defensemen they
acquired in the lineup when the struggling Canadiens visit. The
Lightning, without injured Victor Hedman indefinitely, brought in Brian
Lee, Keith Aulie and Mike Commodore in separate deals. Tampa Bay has 10
of the next 12 at home as it tries to stay in the playoff chase.
TV: 7:30 p.m. ET, RDS, TSN-Habs (Canadiens), SunSports (Lightning)
ABOUT THE CANADIENS (24-29-10): Montreal was expected to be more
active at the deadline with a handful of unrestricted free agents, but
the Canadiens made the one trade and claimed forward Brad Staubitz on
waivers. Montreal has lost four straight games, scoring a total of four
goals and dropping to the bottom of the Eastern Conference. Max
Pacioretty and David Desharnais lead the Canadiens with 46 points
apiece. Rene Bourque has four goals and two assists in 19 games since
being acquired for Mike Cammalleri. Carey Price got Sunday off, so he is
expected back in the lineup.
ABOUT THE LIGHTNING (28-28-6):
Tampa Bay remains on the edge of the playoff race after a victory at
New Jersey on Sunday, but Hedman’s upper-body injury may be big obstacle
to overcome. Commodore and Lee are expected to be available for
Montreal, while Aulie might need another day to arrive. The Lightning,
still without captain Vincent Lecavalier up front, have continued to
create offense with 19 goals in six games. Martin St. Louis had his
second hat trick in February on Sunday, while Teddy Purcell and Steven
Stamkos (43 goals) are on a roll. Purcell has 13 points in a six-game
point streak.
OVERTIME:
1. St. Louis is the fourth
player in NHL history 36 or older to score two hat tricks in a calendar
month. Brett Hull, Gordie Howe and Jean Beliveau are the others.
2. Montreal is 29th on the power play and first in penalty killing.
3. The teams have split two games this season, each winning at home.