Red Wings at Canadiens
Off to the best start in the history of their storied franchise, the Montreal Canadiens look to make it six victories in as many games when they host the Detroit Red Wings on Saturday night in a matchup of Original Six rivals. The Canadiens are coming off an impressive 3-0 shutout of the New York Rangers in Thursday's home opener to improve to 5-0-0.
"It is rewarding, but I'm more happy about the way the team's playing," captain Max Pacioretty told reporters of Montreal's perfect start. "It's so fun to roll four lines and see everyone going." Pacioretty has done his part with four goals and six points - both team highs - while reigning Hart and Vezina Trophy winner Carey Price has yielded five goals in his four starts. The Red Wings had a chance to make it a battle of unbeatens but stumbled at home Friday in a 5-3 loss to the previously winless Carolina Hurricanes. Detroit is kicking off a four-game road trip that will feature a three-game trek through Western Canada.
TV: 7 p.m. ET, NHL Network, CBC, FSN Detroit
ABOUT THE RED WINGS (3-1-0): Although coach Jeff Blashill on Thursday said Darren Helm had a setback, Helm said the issue was not related to his concussion and he hopes to make his season debut Saturday along with defenseman Danny DeKeyser (foot). While captain Henrik Zetterberg has notched a pair of goals and six assists, Detroit is also receiving production from its youngsters. Rookie Dylan Larkin has scored at least one point in every game while Teemu Pulkkinen potted his third goal in Friday's setback.
ABOUT THE CANADIENS (5-0-0): Montreal on Friday signed veteran forward Tomas Plekanec to a two-year contract extension worth a reported $12 million. Plekanec, a seven-time 20-goal scorer who was in the final season of a six-year contract, is off to a fast start with four goals, including one in Thursday's victory over the Rangers. "I'm happy for Tomas. He's grown up in the organization," coach Michel Therrien told reporters. "Tomas is very versatile. You need a player like him in your lineup. He's very important for us."
OVERTIME
1. The Canadiens have scored first in each of their five games.
2. Red Wings G Peter Mrazek will make his second start of the season and first career versus Montreal.
3. Plekanec has seven goals and 12 points in 14 games against Detroit.