Game Preview: Habs @ Capitals

Tonight, the Habs will play the first of back-to-back games (tomorrow being against Buffalo). Due to Wednesday's impressive win in Detroit, Montreal should be eager to continue the momentum. They won 3-1 against the Red Wings in what was a superb effort. Although Tanguay left the game early after taking a huge hit from B.Stuart, he is back in the lineup tonight. Josh Gorges, who was blocking shots with almost every part of his body on Wednesday, will also play. Price gets a break while backup Jaroslav Halak will start in goal. The last time Halak started in net was in the 2-1 loss to the Flyers on November 15th. I happened to attend that game and concluded that Halak played very well. You can hardly blame him for either one of the goals.
On the other side of the ice, is a team plagued with injuries. 7 players including hotshot A.Semin, M.Green and veteran S.Fedorov are out of the lineup for Washington. Only 5 defenceman are healthy meaning that last year's Jack Adams winner Bruce Boudreau will have to push some players back. Expect this one to be a high scoring game. Ex-Hab, and our old friend Jose Theodore will start in net for the Caps. Ever since he left Montreal, he has never been able to return to his original form. He's been too inconsistent in Colorado and now in Washington.
Things to remember for Montreal: Shut down Ovechkin, if even possible: He is currently on a 9-game point streak, recording 21 points during that span. Limit the number of shots: Montreal has shown signs of improvement in their own zone. They are allowing fewer shots, and blocking more of them. Reduce the number of mistakes: *Cough* O'Byrne *cough*. They do that, they come home with a win.