Canadiens at Maple Leafs
With a playoff berth already secured, the Montreal Canadiens continue their quest for the Northeast Division title when they visit the Toronto Maple Leafs in a battle of Original Six rivals on Saturday. Montreal is one point ahead of the Boston Bruins for the top spot in the Northeast and trails the Atlantic Division champion Pittsburgh Penguins by five points for first place in the Eastern Conference.
Toronto is clinging to fifth place in the East, one point ahead of the Ottawa Senators. The Maple Leafs claimed three of a possible four points during their home-and-home series with the New York Rangers and have earned points in 12 of their last 13 contests (7-1-4). The road team has reigned supreme this season, winning each of the first three matchups.
TV: 7 p.m. ET, NHL Network, CBC, RDS
ABOUT THE CANADIENS (26-9-5): Coach Michel Therrien is proud that his team has qualified for the postseason but insists the club is not done. "It's not easy to make the playoffs, there are good teams that don't make the playoffs," he said. "It's a good accomplishment, but it's only the first step. We realize there's a lot of hockey to be played and there are more steps coming." Backup Peter Budaj received a two-year contract extension on Wednesday and promptly went out and posted a victory over the Buffalo Sabres the following night.
ABOUT THE MAPLE LEAFS (22-13-5): Toronto could be without Mikhail Grabovski as the center is battling gastrointestinal issues that have caused him to lose weight. Grabovski has been cleared to play, but the decision will be made by coach Randy Carlyle. "We're trying to find a reasonable answer to his ailment," Carlyle said. "If a player is not 100 percent, it's hard for him to go and perform if we are asking for more than just 100 percent." Joffrey Lupul practiced with his teammates Friday for the first time since suffering a concussion last week against Philadelphia but did not take contact.
OVERTIME
1. The road team has won seven of the last eight games in the all-time series.
2. Montreal has captured four of its last five visits to Toronto.
3. Canadiens rookie C Alex Galchenyuk has collected three goals and three assists during his five-game point streak.
PREDICTION: Maple Leafs 3, Canadiens 1