MTL@OTT: Preparing for a real battle

OTTAWA - After the way things played out at the Bell Centre earlier in the week, the Canadiens fully expect the Senators to come out flying on Thursday night at the Canadian Tire Centre.

That certainly was the consensus inside the Habs' locker room following the morning skate, as Claude Julien's contingent prepared to wrap up the home-and-home series with their Atlantic Division rivals.
"I think they're going to play like they want some revenge. They're going to be hard. They're going to be physical," said Andrew Shaw, who sits one goal shy of reaching the 100-goal plateau for his NHL career. "I think they're going to be a lot faster on the pucks as well, so I think we need to match that intensity and go out there and expect a gritty, fun game."
It was just two days ago that the Canadiens secured a 5-2 victory back on home turf with the help of a three-goal outburst during the second period in a span of just 3:39.
Like Shaw, Phillip Danault predicts that Guy Boucher will have his squad ready to rock in front of the Senators faithful.
"It's always a good rivalry. It will definitely be even harder tonight. We have a good challenge ahead of us," explained Danault. "We know they're really strong at home. They're playing good hockey recently, too. We can't start the game back on our heels. We have to start like we did last game, be on our toes and win our battles."

Danault is right about the Senators being especially dangerous in the Nation's Capital, boasting a 9-4-2 record in their own barn. One of those victories came in a 4-3 overtime win over the Canadiens back on October 20.
"We have to limit their chances. They're very opportunistic. They can score goals," insisted Danault, referencing the Senators ranking fifth in the League with 3.57 goals per game. "They're young, but they have a lot of skill."
During his post-practice press conference, Julien indicated that he may elect to make one lineup change. He wouldn't confirm whether it would be up front or on the back end, though.
Both teams are sticking with the same goaltenders. Carey Price will be back in between the pipes for his sixth consecutive start, while the Senators will counter with Craig Anderson again.
Talking about Shea
It goes without saying that the Canadiens are ecstatic to have their captain back on active duty.
Through four games, Shea Weber has already proven to be a difference-maker all over the ice, logging just under 25 minutes per outing.
No doubt his presence will come in especially handy if the Senators look to make it a physical affair on Thursday night.
"Webby is definitely a big piece of the puzzle, both offensively and defensively. He occupies a lot space. He's imposing," praised Danault. "He's a huge presence. He brings a good dose of energy. Everyone is excited to see him back."
Gallagher believes that the veteran rearguard's presence can do wonders for the group as a whole as the season rolls on.
"When you can add a piece like Webs, it's really going to help going forward," mentioned Gallagher. "For us to keep on building on what we've had the first couple of months here, all you want is a shot and we feel like we're in a position here to be competitive near the end. We're excited about that opportunity."

Road warriors
The contest in Ottawa marks the first stop on a three-game road trip that will also see the Canadiens play in Chicago on Sunday and Saint Paul, MN next Tuesday.
In fact, nine of the Habs' next 12 games to close out the 2018 calendar year will be played away from the friendly confines of the Bell Centre.
That might bother some teams, but not this group.
"It's a busy month for us. There are a lot of road games, but I think we've been pretty good on the road this year," said Shaw. "I think we're going to keep improving. When you play on the road, you just want to play a simple game. The pressure's off to put on a show, so just go out there and put your work boots on."