CANADIENS (15-18-3) at ISLANDERS (13-15-7)

Pre-game notes

The Canadiens start a seven game road trip tonight in Long Island having lost five straight games. Habs have only scored two goals total in their last two games.

Yet there is great optimism in Habsland as tonight’s game marks the return of Andrei Markov, their Norris-calibre defenseman. Markov hasn’t played since being injured in the first game of the season with a sliced ankle tendon.

Markov may not be able to log the ice-time normally expected from him, but he will have an immediate impact on moving the puck out of the defensive zone and on the power-play.

Mike Cammalleri leads the Canadiens in goals with 18 but only four of those goals have been scored on the road. His linemate, Andrei Kostitsyn has been hot lately with seven goals and two assists in his last seven games. Tomas Plekanec centers Cammalleri and Kostitsyn and leads the Canadiens in assists and points.

Markov’s return will bump defenseman Marc-Andre Bergeron to a forward playing on the fourth line. Brian Gionta and Roman Hamrlik are sidelined with injuries.

Backup Jaroslav Halak will start in goal as he continues to be showcased since requesting a trade.

The Islanders are 4-6-0 in their last ten and have been outscored, 12-3, in their last two home games.

Game time is 7:00 p.m at Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum.

expected Canadiens lineup

Plekanec, Cammalleri, Andrei Kostitsyn
Gomez, Sergei Kostitsyn, D’Agostini
Metropolit, Moen, Pacioretty
Lapierre, Laraque, Bergeron

Markov, O’Byrne
Mara, Spacek
Gorges, Gill

Jaroslav Halak starts in goal for the Canadiens; Martin Biron for the Islanders.

scratches: Hamrlik (knee), Gionta (foot)