Montreal at Detroit

First place Montreal is loaded with depth and talent, second in the NHL in goals scored and fourth in goals allowed with top six specialty units. The Canadiens won't be in a good mood after holding a one-goal lead well into the third period Wednesday against Boston, but came away with a 3-1 home loss. The Canadiens are 9-4 in their last 13 road games, plus 5-1 when playing on no rest. Detroit has an up-and-down offense, and the Red Wings are 1-4 against the Eastern Conference. Jimmy Howard will be in net for Detroit but has lost his last five starts against Montreal, posting a 3.25 goals-against average. Montreal won 4-1 at home in October in the only meeting this season. The Canadiens are a dog, but are 7-0 in the last seven meetings against the Red Wings. Play Montreal.