The San Jose Sharks manhandled the Montreal Canadiens. Now, the Habs are going to have try to do them a favour.
The Sharks are locked in a divisional battle that sees them in pursuit of the Anaheim Ducks and Los Angeles Kings. If the Canadiens are going to keep their ever more tenuous playoff hopes alive, they must deal the Ducks a loss tonight.
It won't be easy. As has been the case for much of the last decade, the Ducks are one of the league's strongest outfits. Strengthened by a pair of deadline acquisitions, they've smoothed over some rough patches in their lineup, and are focused on pushing for a cup before their window closes.