NHL Franchise Boys

What would the Stanley Cup playoffs be without a Boston-Montreal matchup? The Habs and Bruins have already faced each other in the postseason more times than any other two teams in North American professional sports. Add another notch to that tally, with the Canadiens now slated to meet the Bruins in the playoffs for the 33rd time in NHL history when Round 1 kicks off on Thursday. Although many of those epic postseason tilts took place in the Original 6 era, the last half-century has also seen its share of the heated rivalry in the springtime. Since 1984, the two former Adams division rivals have squared off 14 times – with a 15th in 27 years penciled in for the coming series. 

Despite having been swept by the Bruins in the 2009 postseason, Montreal still owns a lifetime advantage counting 24 wins in 32 series against the B’s. The Habs also took the edge in the regular-season series between the two teams, winning four of six games and going a perfect 3-0 at home against the Bruins. Despite the Canadiens’ winning record, Boston has outscored Montreal 22-20 in games this season.

         GO  HABS  GO

Monday: Kings at Sharks, 10 p.m. ET

The Kings, who have won five of their past six games, can secure a playoff berth with a win at the Shark Tank and take another step toward home-ice advantage in the first round. Meanwhile, the Sharks, who have won three in a row and seven of eight, can wrap up the Pacific Division crown with a win.
Prediction: The Sharks keep it rolling with a win. Outcome: Sharks Won!

Tuesday: Lightning at Sabres, 7 p.m. ET

The Sabres earned a huge win in overtime versus Carolina on Sunday thanks to goalie Jhonas Enroth’s stellar work in relief of the injured Ryan Miller. The Sabres haven’t clinched a playoff berth yet but could pass Montreal for sixth place in the Eastern Conference. The Lightning, meanwhile, seem to have found a second wind with five straight wins. They have not given up more than two goals in any game during the streak and have a shot at home-ice in the first round if they can reel in Pittsburgh.
Prediction: Tampa puts the heat on the Pens and Sabres with a win. Outcome: Sabres Won!

Wednesday: Red Wings at Hurricanes, 7 p.m. ET

The Red Wings pulled off two big wins this past weekend to lock up the Central Division. Getting Pavel Datsyuk and Jimmy Howard back was key to hitting the playoffs on a high note. The Hurricanes, meanwhile, will pretty much need to run the table this week if they hope to catch one of the three teams at the bottom of the bracket (Montreal, Buffalo and the New York Rangers).
Prediction: The Wings will turn out the lights of the Canes’ playoff hopes. Outcome: Canes Won!

Thursday: Thrashers at Rangers, 7 p.m. ET

Can the Thrashers play the spoiler by beating the playoff-hopeful New York Rangers? The Blueshirts play a tough one Monday night against Boston, so this game looms large. Throw in the history between the two head coaches, John Tortorella in New York and Craig Ramsay in Atlanta, and there’s plenty of drama to go around here.
Prediction: The Rangers move closer to the postseason with a win. Outcome: Thrashers Won!

Friday: Blackhawks at Red Wings, 7:30 p.m. ET

The Hawks are not doing anything the easy way; they lost to Tampa on Sunday to keep Dallas’ and Calgary’s playoff dreams alive. Plus, the defending Cup champs close the regular season with a home-and-home versus Detroit. This is Act I.
Prediction: The Blackhawks take the drama out early with a win at Joe Louis Arena, but will it be enough? Outcome: Blackhawks Won!

For the first time since 1949, the Canadiens have been shut out for 3 straight games. The Canadiens managed only 3 shots on goal in the first period and only 18 overall, a season low at the Bell Centre.  The Canadiens have not scored for more than 186 minutes of hockey.  They were booed off the ice.

Quick Hits

Three straight shutouts – first time since 1949

Number of times Habs have been shutouts this season: 9 (a franchise record)

Four of the highest-salaried players on the team: Gomez, Cammalleri, Gionta, Plekanec

Shots by the aforementioned four millionaires: 5

Goals Cammalleri has scored since Dec. 19: 4

Goals Gomez has scored in 2011: 2

Opposing goaltenders in remaining games: Pavelec, Ward, Brodeur, Crawford,  Anderson, Reimer

Even if the offensive production is lacking at the moment, Price still believes his team will be where it needs to come playoff time. “We’re still in a position where we hold our destiny in our own hands. I think we have enough experience as a group that we won’t let ourselves slide too long. I’m not changing anything. I’m going to keep doing my best to give my team a chance to win every night. Sixty percent of the time, it works and we win games.”

Looking forward to the playoffs?