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In Hainsight: Taking on the Kraken |
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Follow me @KarineHains for all updates about the Montreal Canadiens and women's hockey
The NHL’s most recent expansion team did very well last season, putting 46 wins on the board and getting to 100 points which meant it qualified for the playoffs in its second season. The Kraken even made it to the second round of the playoffs, but each NHL season is a new beginning and this year, Seattle is struggling. With just eight wins on the board and 22 points, Dave Hakstol’s men are currently 25th in the league and fifth in a weak Pacific division, in front of the Ducks, Oilers and Sharks.
Since the Habs had a day off yesterday, there is no word yet as to who will be in net for Montreal, but considering Jake Allen was in net for Saturday’s loss against the Wings, it’s safe to assume he won’t be tonight. If St-Louis keeps the rotation going, Samuel Montembeault should be in the crease tonight and it would make sense as he’s the goaltender who’s got the best stats against tonight’s opponent (2.93 GAA and .919 SP). Primeau has never taken them on while Allen has a 3.50 GAA and a .881 SP. Meanwhile, both of the Kraken’s goaltenders have got great numbers against Montreal. Grubauer’s stats stand at 2.12 GAA and .923 SP while Daccord’s are 2.02 GAA and .938 SP.
The teams have faced each other four times so far, with Seattle winning three of the duels, including the most recent one by a score of 4-0 last January. Tonight’s game will be alternate captain Brendan Gallagher’s 700th in the NHL. The fifth-round pick has come a long way since his late selection by the team, in 12 NHL seasons, he’s put up 404 points and became a true leader for the Sainte-Flanelle. He’s by far the longest serving Canadien and his contract runs for another three seasons after this current one.
Prior to the game, Cole Caufield will be honored as the winner of the Molson Cup for the month of November. In 14 games, the winger has gathered three goals and six assists for 9 points. This modest record shows just how badly things went for Montreal in November as the injuries multiplied and the Canadiens plummeted in the standings.
The first 8,000 fans to get to the Bell Center tonight will be receiving a free Nick Suzuki bobble head and considering the price hikes of late, it’s amazing that they are still giving away complementary items now and then. At the last game, Tricolore Sports was selling Kirby Dach special edition supersized Foco bobbleheads at $75 a piece and the team has now made it possible for fans to book Youpi! to come to their section for a “small fee” of $195.
Montreal Canadiens Blogger • 
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