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Red-hot Capitals take winning ways to Montreal

Mar 15, 2011 - 2:59 PM (Sports Network) - The Washington Capitals will try to extend their winning streak to nine games when they visit the Montreal Canadiens for this evening's battle at the Bell Centre.

The Capitals have the longest current winning streak in the NHL and picked up their eighth consecutive victory in dramatic fashion on Sunday, edging the visiting Chicago Blackhawks in overtime.

Washington's hot streak has the club three points ahead of Tampa Bay for the Southeast Division lead and the Caps are also just one point behind Philadelphia for the top seed in the Eastern Conference.

The Canadiens have also been playing excellent hockey of late, winning six of their last seven contests, and they are just two points behind Boston for the Northeast Division lead. The Bruins are playing tonight in Columbus.

Washington and the Habs have split a pair of games so far this season, but tonight will mark the first meeting in Montreal, where the Caps have lost two of three and six of their last nine games. Overall, Washington has taken four of the last seven meetings.

Mike Knuble was the hero for Washington on Sunday, as he scored his 16th goal of the season with 1:09 left in overtime and lifted the Caps to the 4-3 win over the defending Stanley Cup champions. Chicago had pushed the game to overtime thanks to a power-play goal by captain Jonathan Toews with 38.5 seconds remaining in regulation.

In overtime, Knuble parked himself in front of Corey Crawford, took a pass from Marcus Johansson and dragged the puck to his forehand before flipping it over the goaltender's glove. Johansson atoned for committing the hooking penalty that led to Toews' marker.

"It was a real heads up play by Marcus," Knuble said of the goal. "It was a very smart play by him. I just kind of put my stick out there."

Jason Arnott, Brooks Laich and Boyd Gordon also tallied for the Capitals, who are on their longest win streak since a franchise-best 14-game run from Jan. 13-Feb. 7 of last season.

Braden Holtby, making his third consecutive start in net, stopped 27 shots. Holtby has been starting in place of Michal Neuvirth, who has been able to serve as the backup in the last three games despite dealing with a facial injury.

Neuvirth could play tonight unless Caps head coach Bruce Boudreau decides to stay with the hot hand again.

This evening's test marks the start of a six-game road trip for the Capitals, who have won five straight away from home and have an 18-12-3 road record this season.

The Canadiens had a five-game winning streak halted with Thursday's loss in St. Louis, but Montreal rebounded with a 3-0 win in Pittsburgh on Saturday. Carey Price made 26 saves for his eighth shutout of the season.

Michael Cammalleri had a goal and an assist while Tomas Plekanec and Travis Moen each scored a goal for the Canadiens.

"We did a lot of the little stuff today," said Cammalleri. "We were putting shots on net, putting pressure in their zone and limiting their chances in our own end. A well-played game."

Cammalleri is questionable for tonight's game with flu-like symptoms. Habs defenseman Brent Sopel could also miss a third straight game with an injured left hand.

Price is expected to start tonight's game. He is 1-1 with a 1.94 goals-against average in two games against Washington this season.

Montreal, which has won its last two games on home ice, is 21-8-6 as the host this season.