Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Game #12 - vs Montreal Canadiens

Game 12
Canadiens (6-5-0, 10 pts) at Penguins (9-2-0, 18 pts)


Mellon Arena - Pittsburgh


Something a bit different for the card image today...

Why does it matter?
Montreal historically has played an up-tempo game with lots of skating, which makes for a more entertaining brand of hockey. A victory means extra tax dollars spent in Montreal to patrol the bridges...

What has been happening lately?
  • Pens - The Pens are struggling through their first semi-tough stretch of the season. They lost on Saturday and have put themselves in a hole in two straight.
  • Canadiens - The Habs are hot, winners of four straight at home. It's not as good as it seems, though, because three of the four wins were against the Isles and Thrashers.
Questions to be answered
  • Can the Habs win against a good team? Aside from their OT wins over Buffalo and the Rangers, their other victories aren't exactly a Murderer's Row.
  • Can the Pens get off to a good start in a game after struggling to do that for the last two?
  • The power play without Gonchar? It's 1-10. Can it get better? When you watch Letang and Goligoski, you'd think it has to - those guys are good.
  • Can the Pens solve Jaroslav Halak?
Keys to the game
  • Both teams have been stingy in allowing shots lately. Whoever can dictate their style will have a big advantage.
  • Make the Habs earn it.
  • Halak hasn't faced an offense like this one yet.

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