(My Sportsbook) - Still fighting to stay in control of a playoff spot, the
Montreal Canadiens continue an important homestand with tonight's matchup with the
Tampa Bay Lightning from the Bell Centre.
Montreal moved into sole possession of eighth place in the Eastern Conference standings with Tuesday's much-needed 6-3 victory over visiting Atlanta, a win which ended a season-worst five-game losing streak for the Habs. With Florida losing to Buffalo on Tuesday, Montreal remained two points ahead of the Panthers for the East's final postseason berth.
Alex Tanguay led the way in Tuesday's triumph with a five-point night, with the veteran wing scoring a pair of goals and assisting on three others. Alex Kovalev also lit the lamp twice for the Canadiens, while captain Saku Koivu finished with a goal and two assists.
The win was only Montreal's second in seven games (2-3-2) since general manager Bob Gainey abruptly fired head coach Guy Carbonneau and took over behind the bench on March 10.
The Canadiens also halted a four-game skid at the Bell Centre, where the club is still a strong 22-8-6 for the season. Montreal will be playing the third test of a five-game residency that began with a 5-2 loss to rival Toronto last Saturday.
Tampa Bay stopped a losing streak of its own on Tuesday, when Martin St. Louis scored 3:04 into overtime to lift the Lightning to a 2-1 decision over Columbus. The Lightning had lost three straight times prior to that win, but have now earned at least a point in six of their last seven outings (3-1-3).
St. Louis extended his scoring streak to nine consecutive contests with his game-winner and has amassed six goals and six assists during that span. Rookie sensation Steven Stamkos assisted on both Tampa Bay goals in Tuesday's tilt and has eight points (4 goals, 4 assists) during a six-game tear.
The Lightning are just 12-18-5 on the road this season but have won two straight and three of their last four games as the visiting team. Tampa Bay has not strung together three consecutive road wins at any point this season.
Tampa Bay also owns a win in Montreal during the course of this campaign, a 3-1 victory on December 11 in which St. Louis netted a pair of goals. The Lightning are 3-0-1 over their last five meetings with Montreal.
