Five things fans need to know
Here are five things you should know about the Canadiens-Flames game Tuesday at the Bell Centre (7:30 p.m., TSN2, RDS, TSN 690 Radio):
1. The matchup: Both teams are in playoff position in their respective divisions with 10 points. The Canadiens have picked up points in five consecutive games, but they let a point get away Saturday in Ottawa when they blew a 3-1 lead and lost 4-3 in overtime. Montreal is tied for third in the Atlantic Division with a 4-1-2 record. Calgary is tied for second in the Pacific Division with a 5-3 record after beating the New York Rangers 4-2 on Sunday at Madison Square Garden.
2. The goalies: Carey Price, who contributed to the loss Saturday by giving up a softy to Mikkel Boedker that launched the Ottawa comeback, is expected to start in goal. He’s been good, but not great, with a 2-1-2 record, 2.57 goals-against average and .904 save percentage. Michael Smith is the No. 1 in Calgary, but don’t be surprised if the Flames go with David Rittich, who made 44 saves in New York to improve to 2-0.
3. Byron earning his keep: Prior to the season, Paul Byron signed a four-year extension with a $3.4-million annual cap hit, but he’s playing for a mere $1 million this season and he’s delivering full value. He had a goal and an assist on Saturday and is on his way to a third consecutive 20-goal season with four goals and three assists in seven games.
4. Mete poised for return: Monday’s practice at the Bell Centre saw Victor Mete alternate with Karl Alzner on the top defence pair and Mete seems poised to return after missing two games with a hand injury.
5. Johnny Hockey on a roll: Johnny Gaudreau is among the top scorers in the NHL, with five goals and seven assists in eight games. The 5-foot-9, 165-pound water bug had two goals in New York. Elias Lindholm has five goals and Sean Monahan has four for the Flames, who are tied for fifth in NHL offence with 3.75 goals a game.