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Habs host struggling Thrashers

Jan 2, 2011 - 4:29 PM (Sports Network) - The Montreal Canadiens will try to win consecutive games for the first time in over three weeks when they host the struggling Atlanta Thrashers today at the Bell Centre.

The Canadiens ended a three-game slide with an overtime win against the Florida Panthers on Friday. The New Year's Eve victory also brought a difficult road trip to a close for Montreal, which went 2-5-0 on the season- high seven-game swing.

Montreal, which last won consecutive games during a three-game winning streak from Dec. 2-7, will begin a three-game homestand tonight and has a strong 12-5-2 record as the host this year.

The Canadiens are currently second in the Northeast Division with 44 points. However, with a win today, the Habs can draw even with idle Boston

Montreal recorded a 3-2 road victory over the Panthers on Friday, as newcomer James Wisniewski scored two goals, including the game-winner with 1:19 remaining in overtime at the BankAtlantic Center.

In the extra session, Montreal forward Michael Cammalleri pushed the puck down the right wing and fired a low shot on goal. Florida's Tomas Vokoun made the save, but Wisniewski, acquired from the New York Islanders on Tuesday, followed up the play and buried the rebound. Wisniewski also collected an assist on Brian Gionta's power-play goal.

Alex Auld made 20 saves for the Canadiens in Friday's win, but Carey Price is expected to resume his starting role tonight. Price is 3-2-2 with a 2.74 goals-against average in eight career games against Atlanta.

Atlanta, meanwhile, has not played its best hockey lately. The Thrashers have lost five of their last six contests after going 12-2-2 in their previous 16 outings.

The Thrashers ended a four-game losing streak with Thursday's shootout win over Boston, but Atlanta began a three-game road trip the following night in New Jersey and was dealt a 3-1 loss by the lowly Devils.

Atlanta is 9-8-3 as the visiting team this year and will close this swing Wednesday against the Florida Panthers.

Former Thrashers goaltender Johan Hedberg stopped 28 shots to help anchor the Devils to the win at Prudential Center.

Dustin Byfuglien scored the lone goal for Atlanta and he leads the Thrashers, as well as all NHL defensemen, with 15 goals this season. Chris Mason stopped 25-of-28 shots in the loss.

Ondrej Pavelec is expected to get the start in net tonight for Atlanta. The Thrashers' No. 1 netminder is 2-0-1 with a 1.62 GAA in three career games against the Canadiens.

One of Pavelec's four shutouts this season came against a visiting Canadiens club back on Nov. 26. That 3-0 victory marked Atlanta's fifth win in the last eight contests against Montreal overall, but the Thrashers have dropped six of eight and seven of their last 10 tilts in Quebec.