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Canucks hope to stretch win streak to seven games vs. Habs

Nov 9, 2010 - 4:04 PM (Sports Network) - The Vancouver Canucks have righted themselves after a slow start to the season and will shoot for a seventh straight victory when they visit the Montreal Canadiens tonight at the Bell Centre.

The Canucks began the year with a 2-3-2 mark before rattling off six straight victories. The recent surge has catapulted Alain Vigneault's club into first place in the Northwest Division, where it currently holds a two-point edge over Minnesota.

Another win tonight would match Vancouver's longest winning streak from last year, a seven-game stretch from Jan. 16-30.

Vancouver's most recent triumph came Saturday in a wild game against the visiting Detroit Red Wings. Manny Malhotra had two goals and an assist to lead the Canucks to the 6-4 win at Rogers Arena.

Alexander Edler had a goal and an assist for the Canucks, while Roberto Luongo was charged with four goals on 28 shots to pick up the win.

"The focus and mentality of getting pucks to the net and working for your rebounds. We looked to make that a focal point in the third," Malhotra said.

Henrik Sedin posted two assists to extend his point streak to six games. He has two goals and five helpers during the run and is tied with his brother Daniel for the team lead with 16 points.

The Vancouver blue line is expected to get Dan Hamhuis back tonight after he missed the last eight games with a foot injury. Hamhuis, who signed a six- year, $27 million deal in the offseason, has one assist in five games in his first year with the Canucks.

The Canucks are kicking off a five-game road trip tonight and will try to improve upon their 2-3-1 away record during the swing.

Montreal, meanwhile, will attempt to get back on the right track after losing three of its last four outings. The Canadiens' offense has been the problem lately, as the Habs have managed just six goals in four contests.

The Canadiens were dealt a 3-2 setback Saturday by visiting Ottawa and former Montreal star Alex Kovalev scored two goals for the Senators.

Jaroslav Spacek had a goal for the Canadiens and assisted on a tally by Brian Gionta. Carey Price made 28 saves for Montreal.

The Canadiens are 3-3-1 as the host this year and have lost their last two home tilts.

The Canucks and Canadiens played twice last year and each team won a game on its home ice. Vancouver is 11-2 with a tie in the last 14 meetings with the Habs overall.