Price’s re-emergence heightens Habs’ hopes
The Canadiens managed to make it through the first three games of the season without Carey Price. Yet the Atlantic Division stalwarts were undeniably stoked about his return to the fray Thursday.
Appearing in his first game since last Nov. 25, the All-Star goalie propelled Montreal to a 5-2 victory over Arizona. He’ll also be in charge of protecting the crease tonight, as the Habs and Bruins tangle at 7 p.m. ET. Online sports book Bovada.lv gives host Boston odds of -125 to come out on top. Michel Therrien’s club, on the other hand, enters TD Garden as a -105 underdog.
A knee injury robbed Price of the majority of the 2015-16 season, but he looked as sharp as ever against the Coyotes. The Canadiens’ entire outfit, in fact, seems to be taking flight. At 3-0-1, they’re currently first in the Eastern Conference standings.
The Bruins (3-1-0), of course, aren’t far behind. Patrice Bergeron even made his season debut in the squad’s 2-1 triumph over New Jersey. The two-way standout, who suffered a lower-body injury during training camp, potted the game-winning goal with 1:15 remaining.
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Bergeron’s presence allows free-agent acquisition David Backes to slide down to the second line with David Krejci, giving Beantown terrific balance among its top six forwards. Given the way in which netminder Tuukka Rask is performing, too, we could these two rivals meet in the playoffs. For the purpose of this evening, however, expect a dandy of a low-scoring affair.
SATURDAY NHL FREE PICK: CANADIENS/BRUINS UNDER 5 GOALS