Canadiens at Canucks
THE STORY: The Vancouver Canucks continue their seven-game homestand, as well as their quest for a second consecutive Presidents' Trophy, when they host the Montreal Canadiens on Saturday. Vancouver is 2-2-0 on its lengthy stretch of games at Rogers Arena and has lost four of six overall. Despite their struggles, the Northwest Division-leading Canucks are just one point behind St. Louis for first place in the NHL. Montreal, which is 1-1-0 on its four-game road trip, has lost nine of its last 12 overall contests and four of five on the road.
TV: 10 p.m. ET, CBC
ABOUT THE CANADIENS (26-32-10): Center David Desharnais has been ruled out for Saturday's contest after leaving Thursday's victory at Edmonton with a lower-body injury. The 25-year-old has been on a tear, collecting at least one point in 11 of his last 14 games. By sitting out against Vancouver, Desharnais will miss his first game of the season. Louis Leblanc could replace Desharnais in the lineup as he was recalled from Hamilton of the American Hockey League on Friday. The 20-year-old made his NHL debut earlier this season, registering three goals and four assists in 28 games.
ABOUT THE CANUCKS (42-18-8): Vancouver's recent struggles can at least partially be linked to the lack of productivity from Daniel and Henrik Sedin. The twins have combined for one assist over their last seven games, with captain Henrik being kept off the scoresheet entirely. Roberto Luongo has had his problems with Montreal over his career. The veteran netminder is 10-11-5 with a 2.45 goals-against average in 27 starts. Luongo has won just one of his last four contests.
OVERTIME:
1. The Canadiens are 3-0-1 over their last four meetings with the Canucks but have lost eight of nine visits to Vancouver.
2. The Canucks have won six of seven contests against Northeast Division opponents.