The Boston Bruins are getting ready to face their arch-rival Montreal Canadiens for the first time this season tonight at 7:30 p.m. The game will be aired on NBC Sports Network as part of their new Rivalry Wednesday feature.
The two teams have pretty equal records right now: 6-1-1 for Boston, 6-2-0 for Montreal. Only one point separates them in the standings and the victor of tonight's game gets to be atop the Eastern Conference. Plus, this game is being played in Montreal's Centre Bell, where the Canadiens have taken advantage of a glut of early-season home games and put up a record their fans can cheer about.
The Bruins are coming off a few days' rest after their 1-0 shutout of the Toronto Maple Leafs on Feb. 2 and are playing with some new additions due to injuries. Brad Marchand did not skate in game-day practice, but new call-up Ryan Spooner did, centering a fourth line with two other AHL Providence call-ups.
Shawn Thornton and Daniel Paille did not make the trip, though coach Claude Julien seems optimistic about their recoveries from their separate injuries.
The goaltending match-up will most likely be Tuukka Rask versus Carey Price. Rask hasn't always been so hot against Montreal in his career to date--he has a 1-6-1 record in eight starts and has allowed 23 goals from the Habs--but he is well-rested after that shutout win. Price has won six straight starts and allowed just one goal in the last two.
Tune in to NBC Sports Network tonight at 7:30 p.m. to see the NHL's oldest rivalry face off anew.
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