Canadiens at Senators
THE STORY: As strange as it sounds, the Montreal Canadiens
find themselves in position to actually help the bitter rival Boston
Bruins. Should Montreal post its eighth win in 11 outings against the
Ottawa Senators on Friday when the clubs conclude their home-and-home
set in Canada's capital, the Bruins will hold onto first place in the
Northeast Division. Should Ottawa emerge victorious, the Senators will
end Boston's 107-day reign atop the division.
TV: 7 p.m. CBC, RDS
ABOUT THE CANADIENS (28-32-11):
All-Star Carey Price has enjoyed considerable success in this series,
winning 11 of his last 16 starts, including a 3-2 shootout decision over
Ottawa on Wednesday. Price denied all three attempts in the shootout as
Montreal improved to 3-0-1 versus the Senators and 3-0-1 in its last
four overall. Right wing Erik Cole provided a bit of comedy when he
high-fived referee Greg Kimmerly midway through the first period. Cole
has reason to celebrate, considering he has four tallies in his last
three games.
ABOUT THE SENATORS (36-25-10): Goaltender Ben
Bishop has fared well in place of the injured Craig Anderson,
collecting points in four straight starts (2-0-2). Although Anderson
practiced Thursday for the first time since lacerating his pinky finger,
Bishop is expected to received the nod on Friday. "(Friday) is too
early, for sure," Anderson said. "This is the first day I'm seeing
practice with the guys (and) I wouldn't want to put that on the team
after only practicing once with them after sitting for three weeks."
OVERTIME:
1. Canadiens left wing Max Pacioretty is riding a
seven-game point streak, but has only two goals and two assists in 12
career matches versus Ottawa.
2. All-Star defenseman Erik
Karlsson has certainly found his scoring touch. The Senators' blueliner
has four goals in as many games and 11 since Feb. 11.
3. After winning five of their first seven shootouts, the Senators have dropped back-to-back such contests.