Chicago Blackhawks Eye on the Enemy: A Winning Habit (Montreal)

The Chicago Blackhawks take on the Montreal Canadiens tonight at the United Center, and our Aaron Goldschmidt talked with a Habs fan ahead of the matchup

The Chicago Blackhawks came away with an impressive division win against the Minnesota Wild when goaltender Corey Crawford continued to prove he’s one of the elite netminders in the league.  Stopping all 24 shots, Crow improved to 7-4 with a goals-allowed average of 1.75 and a save percentage of .945.

The ‘Hawks won their second straight game following a practice in which coach Joel Quenneville uncharacteristically skated the players hard trying to make change in their work ethic.  Since then we’ve seen some instant improvement in players like Artem Anisimov, Michal Kempny, and the whole fourth line continues to increase its ice time with high-energy shifts and great zone time.

Tonight the Blackhawks face the Montreal Canadiens, who have had their own struggles of late.  Losing a handful of games to start the season, including a game at home to the Blackhawks, the Canadiens are finally starting to get some puck luck.  Winners of four of their last six games, the Habs are starting to jell with the help of new forward Jonathan Drouin.

The Habs won their game in overtime last night in Winnipeg on a Max Pacioretty goal and will close out their three-game road trip in Chicago tonight.  ‘Hawks fans will get to see fan favorite Andrew Shaw return to the United Center, as well as former top prospect Phillip Danault.

Blackhawk Up got the chance to catch up with Omar White of The Winning Habit to discuss the Montreal Canadiens and what he expects out of tonight’s tilt.

Enjoy the interview.

Canadiens’ stats

Record: 5-8-1, 36 points, sixth in Atlantic Division

Goals For: 39

Goals Against: 55

Points Leader: Brendan Gallagher – 11

Leading Goal Scorer: Brendan Gallagher – 6

Who To Watch For:  

Brendan Gallagher – 6G, 5A

Shea Weber – 3G, 8A

Jonathan Drouin – 2G, 8A

Goaltender Matchup:  

Al Montoya (2-1, 3.77 GAA, .863 SV%) vs. *most likely* Anton Forsberg (0-1, 4.26 GAA, .895 SV%)