Chicago Blackhawks (21-16-9-3) at Montreal Canadiens (19-19-6-5), 2 p.m.
(Sports Network) - The Chicago Blackhawks try to stop a five-game winless slide this afternoon when they visit the Montreal Canadiens at Bell Centre.
Chicago is 0-4-1 during its lull, including Saturday's 5-3 loss in Pittsburgh. Steve Sullivan tied the match at 3-3 early in the third period, but the Penguins responded with two tallies thereafter to provide the difference. Phil Housley and Andrei Nikolishin also scored for the Blackhawks, while Jocelyn Thibault allowed three goals on 11 shots before being pulled in the second period. Rookie Michael Leighton replaced Thibault and made 17-of-19 saves.
Thibault was pulled for second time in three starts, and has surrendered 12 goals in his last four outings.
The Blackhawks fell to 8-2-4 against Eastern Conference opposition.
The Hawks played the first of seven consecutive road games Saturday, and will visit Boston on Thursday. Chicago is 0-3-1-2 in its last six away contests.
Montreal, meanwhile, skated to a 1-1 tie with visiting Washington on Saturday and is 1-0-2 on the heels of a three-game losing skid (0-2-0-1). Against the Capitals, captain Saku Koivu scored his 100th career goal, but Washington's Andreas Solomonsson tied the game early in the third period. Jose Theodore finished with 29 saves.
Koivu's tally was his 15th of the season, and he leads the Habs with 32 assists and 47 points. He has scored a goal in each of the last two games after going five straight without doing so.
Montreal opened a three-game homestand on Saturday. The Canadiens, 10-8-4-2 at Bell Centre, will host Florida on Tuesday.
The Habs have won three of the last four meetings with the Blackhawks, but Chicago has won three of the last four series games played in Montreal.
(Sports Network) - The Chicago Blackhawks try to stop a five-game winless slide this afternoon when they visit the Montreal Canadiens at Bell Centre.
Chicago is 0-4-1 during its lull, including Saturday's 5-3 loss in Pittsburgh. Steve Sullivan tied the match at 3-3 early in the third period, but the Penguins responded with two tallies thereafter to provide the difference. Phil Housley and Andrei Nikolishin also scored for the Blackhawks, while Jocelyn Thibault allowed three goals on 11 shots before being pulled in the second period. Rookie Michael Leighton replaced Thibault and made 17-of-19 saves.
Thibault was pulled for second time in three starts, and has surrendered 12 goals in his last four outings.
The Blackhawks fell to 8-2-4 against Eastern Conference opposition.
The Hawks played the first of seven consecutive road games Saturday, and will visit Boston on Thursday. Chicago is 0-3-1-2 in its last six away contests.
Montreal, meanwhile, skated to a 1-1 tie with visiting Washington on Saturday and is 1-0-2 on the heels of a three-game losing skid (0-2-0-1). Against the Capitals, captain Saku Koivu scored his 100th career goal, but Washington's Andreas Solomonsson tied the game early in the third period. Jose Theodore finished with 29 saves.
Koivu's tally was his 15th of the season, and he leads the Habs with 32 assists and 47 points. He has scored a goal in each of the last two games after going five straight without doing so.
Montreal opened a three-game homestand on Saturday. The Canadiens, 10-8-4-2 at Bell Centre, will host Florida on Tuesday.
The Habs have won three of the last four meetings with the Blackhawks, but Chicago has won three of the last four series games played in Montreal.
