MTL@CBJ: Using the Blue Jackets' aggression to their advantage

COLUMBUS - The Canadiens are going up against a Blue Jackets squad on Friday night that is going strong, riding a four-game winning streak.

John Tortorella's squad has been so good, in fact, that they've won seven of their last 10 games, and they currently sit atop the Metropolitan Division alongside the Washington Capitals with 59 points.
No doubt the Habs will be facing quite a challenge at Nationwide Arena.
On Friday morning, head coach Claude Julien mentioned that his group will have to be strong offensively if they hope to leave Ohio with two points in the bank.
"When you look at that team, they're a lot better than they were in the past defensively, and offensively they're good as well. Their defensemen also support the rush. It's an extremely aggressive team and their style of play has worked well so far. We have to be very alert defensively because they're going to come at us from everywhere. Our defensemen will have to be sharp," said Julien. "At the same time, if we play well defensively, we can take advantage of their aggressiveness. They're also very physical, so it will be an excellent challenge."

To come out on top in the end, though, the Canadiens will surely have to limit the Blue Jackets' scoring chances.
After giving up 96 shots over the last two games, Julien's squad must tighten things up defensively.
"We talked about that. It's something we have to improve," stressed Julien. "Our goalies have played very well lately, but I don't want that [making our goalies face so many shots] to continue."
Mete still looking for a goal
Since being recalled from the AHL's Laval Rocket, defenseman Victor Mete has stepped up his game playing alongside captain Shea Weber.
Even if he still hasn't recorded his first NHL goal, Mete isn't getting caught up thinking about it. He continues to go about his business and focus on his play.
"I think it will come eventually. When they sent me to the AHL, they wanted me to improve my defensive game and that's what I worked on. Closing time and space on opposing players lets me control the puck better and support the rush. If I want the coach to have confidence in me defensively, I have to pay particular attention to that. It's more important than scoring that first goal," explained the 20-year-old blueliner, who is averaging 19 minutes of ice time per outing.

Julien is hoping that the young rearguard continues to progress and make strides.
"I think he's looking forward to scoring, but he's been playing good hockey since joining us again. I have no doubt that it will come," explained Julien. "He just has to keep on working like he is right now."
Peca returns?
With Paul Byron's three-game suspension kicking in on Friday night, Julien could re-insert Matthew Peca into the lineup. If so, it would mark Peca's first appearance since January 8 against the Detroit Red Wings.
The veteran bench boss will make that decision before the game.
"It will probably be Peca who will take Byron's spot. We lost a player on our penalty kill, so I have to take that into consideration," mentioned Julien. "Peca is also very fast like Byron, so I think that he can help us in that aspect of the game."
For Peca, the opportunity to return is just another chance to prove his worth.
"It's been a while. Regardless of when I play, it doesn't change anything for me. I know how I have to play, I know how we play as a team. When you have your chance to play, you have to work and do things right. That's what I'm planning on doing tonight," said Peca. "I'm not Paul Byron, but I'm going to try and be just as intense as him and definitely work as hard as him."

Puck drop on Friday night is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. You can watch the game on TSN2 and RDS, and listen to all the action on TSN Radio 690 and 98,5 fm.