Hawks and Habs Pre-Game

The Blackhawks and Canadiens will battle it out tonight in a matchup that features some former teammates. Carey Price, who skated alongside Johnathan Toews in the World Juniors, will get the nod in net for the Habs, while the former Red, Blue and White, Cristobal Huet, will get the start for the Blackhawks.

Montreal needs the win tonight to stay ahead of the Sabres and Panthers who are creeping up on them for the 8th seed. Any point tonight for the Habs will also knock off the Maple Leafs officially from post-season contention - a feat the Leafs pulled on the Habs just 2 seasons ago. Montreal is just 1 point ahead of the 9th placed Panthers, but they do have a game on hand; a game they need to put to good use tonight against the Blackhawks.

The Blackhawks, on the other hand, are currently tied in points (91) with the 5th placed Vancouver Canucks, with a game on hand as well. They, too, will look to put it to good use tonight and maintain a position of home-ice advantage in the playoffs. Their recent game against the Canucks was a physical and emotional game that saw a lot of frustration from both sides and a few fights.

If the playoffs were to start today, the Hawks would face Vancouver in the first round, while Montreal would meet Boston - their first round original six rivals from last year's post-season, but instead of the Habs on top, it would be the Bruins.

It's starting to shape up for some great first round series'. I, for one, am counting the days.

You can follow the liveblog with me, tonight, on The Score. Tune in for some great hockey discussion, a great game, and a whole lot of awesome.

Micheal A. Aldred
michealaldred@hotmail.com