Although they have played one less game than the Canadiens, the Bruins have amassed ten more points and currently stand alone atop the Atlantic Division. After starting out the month at 3-3,
the Bruins have gained a lot of momentum heading into February. In their last 6 games they are 5-0-1 and have scored 27 goals. During that same stretch the defense has only given up a total of 12 goals. Tuukka Rask and Chad Johnson have split time in net during this stretch and have given up 7 goals and 5 goals respectively. Rask is expected to be in goal tonight.
Although this will be the Bruins' 53rd game of the season, it will only be the second time they've faced Montreal this season. In early December the Bruins traveled to Canada and lost by a score of 2-1. At that point in the season, the Canadiens' were in first place in the division.
After playing each other 723 times, the Bruins record stands at 270-341-103-8. With the way both teams are playing lately, the Bruins should get win number 271 and their 21st home win of the season. Montreal is 1-4 in their last 5 games and have a road record of 13-11-2.
On the season, the Canadiens have had the third best penalty kill in the NHL with an 85.7% success rate. While killing penalties may be their strength this season, coming from behind is not. When trailing first they have won only 23.1 percent of the time. The Bruins, on the other hand, have won 42.9 percent of the time when they've trailed first.
Both teams are neck and neck when it comes to time in the penalty box. The Bruins average 11.5 minutes in the box while the Canadiens' average 11.9. Chances are those number might go up slightly after tonight's game since the teams have a long history with each other. In the last meeting Boychuck had to be taken to the hospital after getting boarded by Max Pacioretty early in the first period. Ideally the Bruins will score first and then worry about any extracurricular activities.
Although this will be the Bruins' 53rd game of the season, it will only be the second time they've faced Montreal this season. In early December the Bruins traveled to Canada and lost by a score of 2-1. At that point in the season, the Canadiens' were in first place in the division.
After playing each other 723 times, the Bruins record stands at 270-341-103-8. With the way both teams are playing lately, the Bruins should get win number 271 and their 21st home win of the season. Montreal is 1-4 in their last 5 games and have a road record of 13-11-2.
On the season, the Canadiens have had the third best penalty kill in the NHL with an 85.7% success rate. While killing penalties may be their strength this season, coming from behind is not. When trailing first they have won only 23.1 percent of the time. The Bruins, on the other hand, have won 42.9 percent of the time when they've trailed first.
Both teams are neck and neck when it comes to time in the penalty box. The Bruins average 11.5 minutes in the box while the Canadiens' average 11.9. Chances are those number might go up slightly after tonight's game since the teams have a long history with each other. In the last meeting Boychuck had to be taken to the hospital after getting boarded by Max Pacioretty early in the first period. Ideally the Bruins will score first and then worry about any extracurricular activities.
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