Saturday, October 20, 2007

Setting Up the Sabres

The Habs (2-2-1-1)are back at the Bell Centre tonight to face the Buffalo Sabres (3-3-0) in the first meeting of the season between the two teams. Ryan Miller is in goal for the Sabres and Cristobal Huet goes for the Canadiens. Miller has never lost in Montreal, going 4-0-0 with a 1.71 goals-against average at the Bell Centre in his young career.

The teams split their eight game season series last year, with the Sabres compiling a 4-3-1 record against the Habs.

After scoring 18 goals in a three game winning streak, the Sabres were held off the scoresheet by the surprising Columbus Blue Jackets last night, dropping the game 3-0 as former Sabres Captain Michael Peca scored his first career goal against his former team.

The Canadiens are still looking for their first home win of the season, but don't blame Cristobal Huet, who has stopped 59 of the 62 shots he has faced so far this year at the Phone Booth. The Canadiens have scored only two goals in those two games.

Michael Ryder had five goals in eight games against Buffalo last year, and Thomas Vanek scored four goals and four assists top lead his team against the Habs over the same span.

Things to look for tonight:

1. Habs coming out of the gate strong and feeding off the fans, hopefully keeping it up throughout the game and getting a few goals to show for it.

2. The Sabres could show some fatigue, having played last night at home.

3. Sabres Defenceman Brian Campbell has 9 points in the first 5 games of the season. that means he's on pace for about 147 points. Look for him to slow down on that pace, hopefully starting tonight!!

Bon match tout le monde, today's a big day for me, as I will be hosting the Habs This Week starting at 4 pm and staying on until 630 as i take off for the Bell Centre to catch the game live. Listen and call in with your thoughts when we open up the lines!

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