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Montreal has lost its last four games and seems to be lacking energy and drive these days. On top of losing the game in Pittsburgh on Thursday night, they also lost rookie defenseman Jayden Struble who had proved quite useful since being recalled from Laval. The gritty blueliner has played nearly half a season with the big club and will be missed if he cannot return before the end of the season. Although, his absence would allow the team to give other rookie defensemen a try. Logan Mailloux comes to mind and, later, when he’s done with his NCAA season, Lane Hutson.

This afternoon’s tilt will be the fourth game between the two teams this season. So far, they’ve each won one game, New Jersey taking the October game 5-2 while Montreal won the January one 3-2. The Habs will have to be wary of the Devils’ knack for comeback wins, Lindy Ruff’s men have won 18 games after trailing so far meaning it’s not over until it’s over for New Jersey. In the last game, the Canadiens had a 2-0 lead after two periods but allowed New Jersey to tie up the score with two goals in a minute and 38 seconds at the start of the third.

The identity of this afternoon’s goaltenders has yet to be revealed and there is no media availability scheduled before the puck drop. If St. Louis carries on with his goalie rotation, Jake Allen should get the net. The 33-year-old netminder has played 10 times against the Devils and he’s won eight times. He’s got a 1.90 GAA and a .933 SP against the New Jersey outfit.

The Canadiens will want to keep a close eye on New Jersey standout Jake Hughes who’s got four points in one game against the Habs this season. Meanwhile, Tyler Toffoli has three goals in two games and promises to be a pain for the defense corp. The puck drop is scheduled for 2:00 PM and you can catch the game on TSN2 and RDS.

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