This is a 7* on MONTREAL

After a horribly unlucky eight-game losing streak, which saw six of the games decided by just one goal, Montreal has finally begun to turn it around. They beat Ottawa in overtime Saturday, then shut out Calgary here at home Monday. We had the Canadiens in both wins. For that win Monday, we pointed out that despite Calgary being a first place team, they actually had the same goal differential as the Habs. Tonight's opponent is Chicago and not only are they not a first place team, they have been last in the Central Division much of the season. They also have a -15 goal differential even after their own back to back wins. Allowing lots of shots (36.9/game) has naturally led to the Blackhawks giving up lots of goals (3.4/game) in road games. They were in Ottawa last night and had to go to overtime to get the 3-2 win. So fatigue could be a factor tonight. Montreal doesn't have nearly the same number of injuries as Chicago is dealing with right now. Play on MONTREAL

AAA