The Montreal Canadiens (4-1-0) and Ottawa Senators (4-1-1) are both on to hot starts in the 2013 season, and look to continue their streaks when they face off on Wednesday.
The Canadiens have won their last four with a combination of timely goal-tending and tremendous offensive prowess. In each of their wins, the Canadiens have scored four goals. They defeated the Florida Panthers 4-1, then destroyed Washington 4-1. In their most recent battles the Canadiens took down New Jersey and Winnipeg 4-3. In the match with Winnipeg on Tuesday, the Canadiens blew a 2-0 and found themselves tied heading into the third period. At 5:31 of the third, however, Thomas Plekanec scored a power-play goal to propel Montreal to a 4-3 win. Other scorers for the "Habs" included Rene Bourque, Brendan Gallagher, and Eric Cole. Rookie Alex Galchenyuk scored two assists while goalie Carey Price made 18 saves on 21 shots. It is unknown if PK Subban will make his season debut after signing a two year contract with the team.
The Senators played on Tuesday in a 3-2 win over Washington. Despite falling behind 2-0, Ottawa battled back with goals from Jim O'Brien, Milan Michalek, and Sergei Gonchar. Goalie Craig Anderson won his fourth game of the year and continues to provide Ottawa with a tremendous presence in net. The team will likely be without star center Jason Spezza, but the offensive depth that the team has showcased of late should make up for his absence.
The Canadiens and Senators have not met this season but Montreal won four of the six meetings last season including a 5-1 win on March 23.
Prediction: This game comes down to goal-tending. Price and Anderson could see time on the bench which would enable Peter Budaj and Ben Bishop to face off. Price has played all of Montreal's games so expect Budaj to get his first start. Ottawa is a better team than Montreal and wins this 3-2.
Start Time: 7 PM EST
TV: RDS, TSN
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