It's hard not to like how the Carolina Hurricanes got their weekend started. After a three-day reprieve, the Canes opened their back-to-back on Saturday night with a 5-2 win over the New Jersey Devils, thanks to a dominant final 40 minutes. Trailing 1-0 after the first period, the Canes scored three times in the second and twice more in the third for another win against a division foe.
The Canes' goals in Montreal on Tuesday were scored by Nikolaj Ehlers and Jordan Staal. They also scored on Saturday. Ehlers has found the back of the net in his last three contests and has three multi-point efforts over his last five. Staal has three goals in his last four, and his next goal will give him his first 20-goal campaign in a decade.
On the Other Side: Montreal Canadiens
Last meeting: The Hurricanes jumped out to an early lead against the Canadiens in Montreal on Tuesday. Ehlers scored on the power play, and Staal added another in the first period. However, the Canadiens controlled the scoring from there. They scored five unanswered goals to secure two big points in a 5-2 win over the Canes at the Bell Centre.
The Canadiens continue to hold the third spot in the Atlantic Division. With Buffalo and Tampa Bay refusing to lose, the Canadiens haven't made up any ground on their division rivals, despite winning four in a row. They also have the Bruins nipping at their heels, sitting just two points back. It must really stink to be in the Atlantic this season.
After beating the Canes on Tuesday, the Canadiens continued their winning ways by defending home ice against the Blue Jackets two days later. Like the Canes, they were in action last night, starting a five-game road trip with a win in Nashville. Four players recorded multiple points, with Oliver Kapanen, Ivan Demidov, and Alex Newhook each recording a goal and an assist in a 4-1 win over the Predators.
This is not a kind scheduling situation for the Canadiens. Not only do the Hurricanes have the luxury of playing both ends of their back-to-back at home, but the Habs began their game two hours later than the Canes before flying from Nashville to Raleigh. It isn't ideal, but these are the circumstances the Canadiens must endure to try and win their fifth straight game.
Canadiens to Watch
Alex Newhook: You are more than familiar with most of Montreal's Top 6, but Newhook isn't someone who'll leap off the page. He doesn't attract the same attention as his linemates, though he has 22 points in 32 games this season. Newhook missed over three months before returning after the pause, and he has fit in perfectly with Kapanen and Demidov.
Jakub Dobes: With Fowler going on Saturday, it'll be Dobes in the net once more tonight in Raleigh. He was magnificent on Tuesday, and he followed it up with a win in Columbus on Thursday, making 25 stops. The Canadiens need him to keep this up down the stretch. He's looking like their Game 1 starter, if all goes well, so this positive momentum is great.
Hurricanes to Watch
Jordan Staal: Obviously, I would love to see the captain score his 20th goal of the season tonight, extending his goal streak. However, I'll settle for another great outing for Staal, especially in a game that would go a long way in securing the division for the Canes. His line will have a tough matchup on their hands, getting either the Suzuki line or the Kapanen line.
Taylor Hall: Once again, the Stankoven line was Carolina's best last night against the Devils. Hall was at the center of it against his old team, recording a pair of assists. He is still sitting a goal away from 300 for his career, coming close to getting it on Saturday a few times. His two helpers last night got him past the 40-point mark, making him the seventh Hurricane to do so this season.