Boston: 24-8-4 Montreal: 24-8-5
Saturday night will mark the fourth and final meeting between the Boston Bruins and the Montreal Canadiens this season. The Habs have gotten the better of the B’s, defeating them once in regulation and once in a shootout. The B’s lone victory came back on February 6. Only a single point separates the Bruins from the Habs, first place in the Northeast Division, and the second overall spot in the Conference.
The B’s have ripped off 3 consecutive victories and would like nothing more than to extend their streak in a tilt that is hands down the most important of the year. Montreal has endured similar success to that of Boston, winning 4 of 5 contests and 3 straight at Bell Centre.
Since losing 5 of 7 games, Boston has turned things around, and now finally have another chance at regaining control of the division with only a few weeks remaining in the season. Bruins newcomer Jaromir Jagr will get his first taste of what is arguably the bitterest rivalry in sports. Jagr provided an instantaneous jolt in his B’s debut and has high hopes of making a positive impact as he settles in with his new teammates.
The Habs and B’s have been neck and neck, nipping at one another’s heels all season. For weeks now, first place has been up for grabs on a nightly basis. These clubs are two of the best the NHL has to offer and know each all to well. This much anticipated face-off has finally arrived.
For the Bruins, keys to victory are simple. Bring the hurt, drive the net, and keep cool. Last time these two sides hooked up, Boston allowed Montreal to play their style and the game resembled a track meet. The Habs are a smaller, speedy, highly skilled bunch. The B’s must use their size, strength, and toughness to wear down Montreal. By imposing their will, Boston can get to the dirty areas and finish at the net, while banging up Montreal and slowing them down.
Montreal’s flare for the dramatic is well documented. Many times over the Bruins have experienced it and have taken action. With Boston’s best penalty killer out of the line up, it is especially important to avoid the ill-advised penalties that the Canadiens tend to induce. The Habs have one of the most lethal power plays around. Steering clear of any sort of special teams showdown is the route Boston should aim for.
Boston will look to continue riding their hot goaltending. Tuukka Rask is fresh off a 40 save blanking of the Devils and will likely be in goal again. Rask is 2-7-2 in his career versus Montreal. Despite the poor record, Rask will be highly motivated with first place on the line. The B’s defense must tighten up. Jay Pandolfo and Kaspars Daugavins will be vitally important in accomplishing that.
Projected lineup:
Lucic-Krejci-Horton
Marchand-Seguin-Jagr
Pandolfo-Peverley-Daugavins
Paille-Campell-Thornton
Chara-Hamilton
Ference-Seidenberg
Bartkowski-Boychuk
Rask
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