Montreal Game-Day News & Notes – 02/03/07

After a demoralizing defeat at the hands of the lowly Rangers, Montreal rolls into Buffalo for Game 7 of the 8 game season series vs. The Sabres.

“We just didn't show up and do the things we need to do against a team that we could've put a long ways behind us,” said Canadiens defenseman Sheldon Souray. “The season is getting shorter.”

While Montreal is 4-2 in their last 6 games, they continue to slide further down the Eastern Conference standings after a tremendous start to the season. What was once a team that at one point may have challenged for first in their division is now fighting for a playoff spot in a close race that could see a number of teams finish between 6th and 8th.

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RDS.ca reports that the Canadiens will be without the services of forwards Chris Higgins (flu) and Alexander Perezhogin (head injury). The former was injured by an errant puck during practice Thursday.

Fortunately, returning to The Habs lineup will be forward Sergei Samsonov, after a battle with the flu bug that has plagued the Montreal dressing room this season.

Another welcome addition to the lineup will be newly acquired defenseman Josh Gorges, playing in his first game since being traded to Montreal for longtime Canadien Craig Rivet, from San Jose. His addition to the lineup will likely mean defenseman Marc Streit will be playing forward in Perezhogin’s spot.

In net will be veteran goalie David Aebischer, who’s last appearance came Monday in a victory vs. The Maple Leafs. Rookie goaltender Jaroslav Halak will sit after a lackluster performance against The Rangers. Cristobal Huet remains on long-term IR with a hamstring injury.

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Montreal is 3-1-2 vs. Buffalo this season.