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Canadiens look to end skid without Kovalev

Feb 18, 2009 - 11:32 AM Montreal (30-21-6) at Washington (36-16-5), 7:30 p.m. EST

WASHINGTON (Ticker) -- The Montreal Canadiens will attempt to end their recent struggles without temporarily dismissed All-Star Alexei Kovalev.

Kovalev did not accompany the Canadiens on their current two-game road trip, which begins Wednesday against the Washington Capitals.

On Monday, Montreal general manager Bob Gainey traded for veteran defenseman in Mathieu Schneider and then sent Sergei Kostitsyn to the American Hockey League the next day. No move, however, made as much noise as Gainey's decision regarding the recently ineffective Kovalev.

Gainey, making a rare public appearance, told reporters that Kovalev was asked to stay home for the team's brief trek that also includes a trip to Pittsburgh on Thursday. The 35-year-old Kovalev has not scored a goal in 10 games.

The Canadiens have dropped five of six and 10 of 13 during their current swoon, prompting Gainey's brash command toward this season's NHL All-Star Game MVP.

Kovalev scored twice in regulation before netting the decisive goal in the shootout, leading the Eastern Conference to an explosive 12-11 triumph over the Western Conference in the 57th NHL All-Star Game at the Bell Centre last month.

The midseason gala is one of several events scheduled to honor Montreal's centennial campaign, which is in dire jeopardy of ending in a sour manner. The Canadiens are locked in a four-way tie with the Florida Panthers, Buffalo Sabres and New York Rangers with 66 points in the tight Eastern Conference.

Meanwhile, Washington is aiming for its third straight victory after cruising to a 4-2 win over Florida on Sunday.

The Capitals also begin a stretch of playing five in a row and nine of 10 at home, where they are 22-4-1 this season.