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Canadiens, Bruins both aim to get on track on Montreal

Dec 16, 2010 - 4:37 PM (Sports Network) - The Canadiens are already mired in their longest losing streak of the season, but Boston will be trying to avoid its lengthiest skid of the year when the Bruins visit Montreal and the Bell Centre tonight.

Montreal lost its third straight game on Wednesday night after dropping a 5-3 decision to the visiting Philadelphia Flyers. Boston was dealt a 3-2 regulation setback last night in Buffalo and the Bruins lost an overtime decision to the Flyers in their previous game.

The Canadiens have lost three straight for the first time since dropping the final three tests of the 2009-10 regular season. Montreal was last on the losing end in four straight during a five-game slide from Dec. 10-17 of last season.

Boston hasn't lost three straight since a 10-game losing streak from Jan. 16- Feb. 6.

The Bruins suffered the loss Wednesday in Buffalo and Drew Stafford notched all three goals for the Sabres in their 3-2 victory at HSBC Arena.

David Krejci and Michael Ryder tallied for the Bruins, while Tuukka Rask allowed three goals on 35 shots.

Rask fell to 2-7-1 this season with Wednesday's loss and Boston will likely return to Tim Thomas in net tonight. Thomas is 14-2-3 on the year, although he is just 8-13-3 with a 3.02 GAA in 25 career games against the Habs.

Boston winger Tyler Seguin missed his second straight game in the loss to the Sabres. He sat out Saturday's loss in Philly with flu-like symptoms, but the second overall pick of the 2010 draft was considered to be a healthy scratch last night.

The Bruins have lost their last two road tilts, but they are still 9-4-1 as the visiting team this year. Boston will begin a three-game homestand when it hosts Washington this Saturday.

The Canadiens were victimized by a pair of James van Riemsdyk goals in Wednesday's loss to the Flyers. Jeff Carter also added a goal and two assists for the Flyers.

Tomas Plekanec and Brian Gionta scored for the Canadiens. Scott Gomez and Mike Cammalleri each posted a pair of helpers in defeat.

Carey Price was tagged with five goals for the first time all season, and suffered his second straight loss despite making 25 saves. It's unclear if Price will start on back-to-back nights this evening or if Alex Auld will get just his fourth start of the year.

Price does have an excellent 10-2-2 record and 2.30 GAA in 14 career games against the Bruins.

Montreal has a 11-5-2 record on home ice this year and tonight's tilt will be the Habs' last game at the Bell Centre in 2010. The Canadiens will begin a seven-game road trip Sunday in Colorado and won't play again in Montreal until Jan 2.

The Bruins were dealt a regulation loss when they hosted the Canadiens back on Nov. 11. It was the sixth victory in the last seven matchups in this series for the Habs, who have also taken two of three and 10 of the last 13 encounters at the Bell Centre.