john1981cr
Joined: 16 Aug 2006
Posts: 111
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| Tell a Friend Posted: Tue Dec 19, 2006 8:02 pm Post subject: Tuesday's NHL Spotlight Game |
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By Rich Carlson
Inspin.com/WagerWeb.com Contributing Writer
Montreal Canadiens (19-8-5) at Buffalo Sabres (24-6-2), 7 p.m. ET
The Montreal Canadiens travel to HSBC Arena on Tuesday evening to try and stop the runaway train that is the Buffalo Sabres. Montreal has recorded a 19-8-5 record this season, which puts it in second place in the Northeast Division, while Buffalo has roared out to a 24-6-2 record and is in first place in the Northeast.
The Canadiens come into tonightʼs game on a three-game winning streak and are hoping to make up more ground on the first-place Sabres. Montreal possesses the leagueʼs best special teams unit, as it is ranked No. 1 on the power play (23.1% conversion rate) and No. 2 in penalty killing (89% success). Montrealʼs special teams have accounted for 11 of the Canadiensʼ 20 goals they have scored during their last 5 games. C Saku Koivu leads the team with 36 points (14 goals, 19 assists), while D Sheldon Souray is the Canadiensʼ only other double-digit goal scorer (12 goals, 17 assists). G Cristobal Huet has been rock solid between the pipes, posting a 13-3 record, 2.29 goals against average and a league-leading .932 save percentage.
The Sabres own one of the leagueʼs best records thanks to a dominating offensive unit. C Daniel Briere (38 points), RW Maxim Afinogenov (36 points) and LW Tomas Vanek (35 points) lead a Sabres attack that averages an NHL-best 3.78 goals per game. G Ryan Miller has a solid 17-4 record, 2.61 goals against average and .917 save percentage. With such a dominant offense in front of him, Miller doesnʼt have to be perfect every night in order for the Sabres to win.
Buffalo leads the season series 3 games to 1: (Oct. 6: Buffalo 5-4; Oct. 23: Buffalo 4-1; Nov. 24: Montreal 2-1; Dec. 9: Buffalo 3-2).
Injury report
Montreal: C Steve Begin (ribs) is listed as questionable for tonightʼs game.
Buffalo: C Tim Connolly (concussion) is on injured reserve and will be out indefinitely; D Henrik Tallinder (wrist) is on injured reserve and will be out until at least late December.
News & notes
The New York Rangers placed defenseman Sandis Ozolinsh on waivers. Ozolinsh was acquired from the Anaheim Ducks on March 9. |
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