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Canadiens look to snap losing streak against Senators

Nov 11, 2008 - 2:22 PM Ottawa (6-2-2) at Montreal (8-2-2), 7:00 pm EDT

MONTREAL (Ticker) -- The rivalry between the Montreal Canadiens and Ottawa Senators has never extended itself into the playoffs, but that has not taken away the heat during the regular season.

Looking to snap a mild two-game skid, the Canadiens host the Senators in battle of Northwest Division foes on Tuesday.

Montreal is coming off a 6-3 loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs on Saturday, one night after falling, 4-3, in a shootout to the Columbus Blue Jackets.

Coming up short for just the second time in regulation this season, the Canadiens lost right wing Tom Kostopoulos to suspension for the next three games. He was disciplined by the league for his check on Toronto defenseman Mike Van Ryn, who suffered a concussion, and broken nose and hand.

Meanwhile, the Senators' defense has been superb of late, allowing 10 goals in their last six contests. But their efforts were not enough to overcome the Carolina Hurricanes in a 2-1 loss on Friday.

Martin Gerber stopped 28 shots in his return to the Ottawa's lineup after missing six games with a leg injury, but his team was not able to generate any offensive production. Mike Fisher scored the lone goal as the Senators were denied their third straight win.

Ottawa coach Craig Hartsburg may opt to start goaltender Alex Auld, who leads the NHL with a 1.84 goals-against average, in this game. Auld is 1-1-1 with a 2.49 GAA versus Montreal, and has not yielded more than two goals in each of his last five contests overall.

Jason Spezza, who has five goals and eight points this season, has scored just twice in his last 10 contests and has not tallied in five straight.