This is San Jose's third stop in a four-game road swing. The Sharks are 2-0 on their journey so far winning shootout games against the Maple Leafs and Senators.

I don't see the Sharks being so fortunate here in Montreal. The Canadiens are off a 2-1 overtime home loss to the Bruins this past Monday. The Canadiens haven't lost consecutive home games since last March. The Canadiens are 14-1-2 at home.

Montreal has had three full days to rest and prepare for this game. The Canadiens play at the Capitals on Saturday. This is the game the Canadiens are aiming for starting Carey Price, the best goalie in the NHL.

San Jose is averaging 2.4 goals. That ranks the Sharks 21st. The Sharks' limited firepower may be down center Logan Couture, who suffered an injury in the team's last game two days ago. Couture is the Sharks' second-leading goal-scorer with 11 and third on the team in points.

Montreal is fifth in the league in goals scored at 3.1 per game. Until falling to the Bruins, the Canadiens had scored a combined 15 goals in their last two games.

The Canadiens know they could be looking at a three-game losing streak if they drop this home game because of their road matchup against the Capitals on Saturday. The Canadiens have the added incentive of short revenge after falling to the Sharks, 2-1, two weeks ago.