While the Montreal Canadiens try to end the frustration, their worst start in 70 years, the Flyers will try to overcome some adversity of their own.
Injured captain Chris Pronger begins an extended absence as Philadelphia looks to keep reeling Montreal winless at home Wednesday night. But is this anything new to the Flyers, losing their number one defensemen to injury?
The Flyers avoided a loss Monday night against the Leafs thanks to Jaromir Jagr and Scott Hartnell, who each netted a pair of goals. The Flyers will need contribution from these two players on a consistent basis if they want to continue winning. Dirty goals is what Scott Harntell’s all about, and against the Canadiens he may get his chance to net these dirty goals once again.
The Flyers have won three in a row and nine of 12 against the Canadiens (1-5-2), who have lost six straight following a 2-1 defeat to Florida on Monday.
Montreal hasn’t gone this deep into a season without earning its second victory since beginning 1-10-1 in 1941-42.
Bell Centre, where the Canadiens have gone 0-3-2 to post the worst home start in franchise history. The only other Eastern Conference team which hasn’t won a home game is the Rangers, but they have yet to play one.
Making matters worse for the Habs, leading scorer Max Pacioretty left in the second period with an upper-body injury and did not return. His status for Wednesday is uncertain.
The Canadiens have scored one or no goals in five games, though it hasn’t been for a lack of scoring chances. Montreal had 41 shots Monday. And facing a goaltender like Ilya Bryzgalov who never won against the Canadiens, the Habs may find their scoring touch once again.
STARTING GOALIES:
Philadelphia Flyers – Ilya Bryzgalov
Montreal Canadiens – Carey Price
Price, 0-3-2 with a 3.75 goals-against average since earning his 99th career win Oct. 9 versus Winnipeg, is 0-3-0 with a 4.07 GAA in his last three starts versus the Flyers.
Philadelphia’s Ilya Bryzgalov is 0-2-1 with a 3.33 GAA lifetime versus Montreal.