Since a lacklustre effort a week ago that had some reporters wondering if the Habs had given up on the season, the Montreal Canadiens have responded with three good outings. After a win over the Washington Capitals, hanging in with the red-hot Boston Bruins the next night, and most recently a convincing effort to snap the Colorado Avalanche’s 10-game winning streak, the Habs now welcome the Carolina Hurricanes to town for the final game before the league breaks for All-Star Weekend.
The decision to move Paul Byron to centre five games ago has worked out well for Montreal, with the surprise choice to take over the setup role on Max Pacioretty’s line recording at least one point in each of those games, getting an assist on a power-play goal versus the Avalanche.