Canadiens at Flyers
THE STORY: The Philadelphia Flyers look to become the third Eastern Conference team to clinch a playoff spot when they host the Montreal Canadiens on Saturday. Philadelphia, which is 2-1-0 on its five-game homestand, can join the New York Rangers and Pittsburgh Penguins in the postseason with a victory. The Canadiens have lost three straight road games but have earned at least on point in seven of their last eight contests (4-1-3).
TV: 7 p.m. ET, CBC, RDS (Montreal), CSN (Philadelphia)
ABOUT THE CANADIENS (29-33-13): Erik Cole recorded a natural hat trick in the first period of Friday's win over Ottawa. It was the sixth three-goal performance of Cole's career and first with the Canadiens. He scored three times in the first 5:41 of the contest, setting a franchise record for the quickest hat trick from the start of a game. The three-goal effort raised Cole's season total to 30, tying his career high set in 2005-06 with Carolina. Defenseman Yannick Weber is questionable after suffering a lower-body injury during the first period of Friday's contest.
ABOUT THE FLYERS (43-23-8): Ilya Bryzgalov has been a major reason for Philadelphia's current surge, going 9-1-1 over his last 11 starts. Jaromir Jagr was named the Flyers' nominee for the Bill Masterton Trophy. After spending the previous three seasons in the Kontinental Hockey League, the 40-year-old has recorded 18 goals and 30 assists thus far this campaign. "I never heard of that trophy until I was told I was nominated for it," Jagr said. "But it's an honor to be recognized like that. A lot of great players and people have won it, so I'm grateful to be considered."
OVERTIME:
1. The Flyers have won six straight home meetings with the Canadiens and five of six overall in the all-time series.
2. Montreal's Brad Staubitz has engaged in six fights over 12 games since being claimed off waivers from Minnesota.
3. Philadelphia has gone 9-2-1 over its last 12 contests to climb within five points of the Rangers for first place in the East.