It's well documented that the Carolina Hurricanes have handle Montreal well over last few years. Canes 9-0 in their last 9 visits to Montreal, 12-3 in last 15.
However, things have changed a lot this year. Montreal is now a power in the East, the Canes are not. Furthermore, Habs killers Eric Cole (traded) and Justin Williams (injured) are no longer there to sink Montreal. The Canes defense is banged up, Carolina lost puck moving defenseman Joni Pitkanen in their last game. The current defensive corps is NHL below average. A weak NY Islanders offense put 60 shots on goals in the Canes last game, and outshot Carolina 43-16 in last 2 periods after Pitkanen was injured. On the other hand, Montreal put 51 pucks on net against the Ducks in their last game. Habs had a long layoff before their last game and were rusty early on.
I expect Montreal to be ready tonight. Canes defense will be tested. Habs coach was not happy. Players are hungry and team is at full squad for first time. Add the revenge factor.
Montreal (-184)
However, things have changed a lot this year. Montreal is now a power in the East, the Canes are not. Furthermore, Habs killers Eric Cole (traded) and Justin Williams (injured) are no longer there to sink Montreal. The Canes defense is banged up, Carolina lost puck moving defenseman Joni Pitkanen in their last game. The current defensive corps is NHL below average. A weak NY Islanders offense put 60 shots on goals in the Canes last game, and outshot Carolina 43-16 in last 2 periods after Pitkanen was injured. On the other hand, Montreal put 51 pucks on net against the Ducks in their last game. Habs had a long layoff before their last game and were rusty early on.
I expect Montreal to be ready tonight. Canes defense will be tested. Habs coach was not happy. Players are hungry and team is at full squad for first time. Add the revenge factor.
Montreal (-184)