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Pregame: Capitals vs Canadiens |
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The Bell Center will be treated tonight to Alexander Ovechkin’s last visit of the season. On his first visit in October, the Canadiens signed a 3-2 win with Jake Allen in net. A little over 10 days ago, the Habs were in Washington where they triumphed 5-2 over their host, meaning that they have a chance to sweep the season series today.
Allen being in net will be the sole change to the line-up today, although Jordan Harris did take part in this morning’s morning skate, he was wearing a no contact jersey. Meaning Jesse Ylonen will be watching a second game in a row on the press gallery. As for Arber Xhekaj, he stays in the line-up and still has some time to impress. The young defenseman appears to be somewhat lacking in confidence so far this season after his long stint in Laval. It looks like he’s skating on very thin ice and doesn’t want to make a mistake to be taken out of the line-up. It’s a shame because Xhekaj’s confidence was a huge part of his game last season. Perhaps Tom Wilson can help him look comfortable again…
Both Caufield and Suzuki were absent from the morning skate as they were receiving treatment. Hopefully it’s nothing too serious as right now, watching the first line is the only exciting part of the Canadiens’ game. Their linemate Juraj Slafkovsky will try to keep his seven-game point streak alive, while Suzuki’s streak currently stands at nine. Jake Evans also has a streak of his own, having scored in the last two games, can he make it to three?
The Canadiens have won the last three games against the Capitals, but only four of the last ten. Montreal will have to keep an eye on Ovechkin who’s got his point streak going at seven games (six goals and three assists during that span). In 57 career games against the Habs, the Caps’ captain has gathered 66 points. After a slow start to the season, the Russian forward has got 17 points in his last 16 games.
Today, Kirby Dach skated a bit on his own, a welcome sight for Habs' fans even though he is not meant to return to action until next season.
Montreal Canadiens Blogger • 
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