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Tonight will be the second of three games between the Canadiens and Senators. Last week, the Senators signed a 6-2 win over Martin St-Louis’ men and looked like a contender rather than a bottom of the standings team, mainly because the Canadiens forgot to show up.
Yesterday, the Canadiens sent Justin Barron down to Laval and put Mitchell Stephens on waivers in the aim of sending him down to the AHL. The move is not exactly surprising about Barron, he’s had good sequences in the NHL this season, but he has looked a bit lost on the ice of late. His decision making has been lacking and he’s found himself down on the ice after a fall more time than is acceptable for a professional hockey player. Stephens being put on waivers is a bit more surprising though as it leaves the Canadiens with only three centers on the roster. Eric Engels thinks it might mean Tanner Pearson is close to a return, but time will tell. Pearson just confirmed to the media that he has got the green light to play and he will be back in the line-up.
After sending Barron down, the Canadiens also recalled Arber Xhekaj from Laval. The rugged defenseman has played 17 games with the AHL affiliate, gathering 11 points in the process and 34 penalty minutes. Last week, Kent Hughes credited his presence in Laval for the evolution in Logan Mailloux’s game. Xhekaj has been inserted in the lineup which is hardly surprising considering his previous body of work against the Senators, but it will be interesting to see if he picks his moments better after spending a few weeks in the AHL. Jordan Harris will be a healthy scratch tonight to make way for Kovacevic.
Jake Allen has already been identified as the starting goaltender tonight. Throughout his career, he has played 12 times against Ottawa with a 6-4-2 record, a 2.67 GAA and a .914 SP. The Senators have won the last seven games between the two teams and have only lost three of the last ten games.
With an assist tonight, Brendan Gallagher could join Mark Recchi at the 42nd rank in the best passers in team history with 202. Goals wise, Gallagher is 24th with 210 career-goals, five behind Ralph Backstrom who’s 23rd. He also trails Serge Savard by one point at the 35th rank of the team’s all-time points leader.
The game is set to start at 7:00 PM and on Thursday, the Canadiens will host the Islanders and their new coach, Patrick Roy.
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