TSN:
Alex Kovalev took his second straight therapy on Thursday. With 18 games remaining and back-to-back games this weekend, head coach Guy Carbonneau says as long as Kovalev (or any of his veterans) can show they are ready to play and perform, then he is willing to let them take two, three or even four days off between games. Kovalev may be still feeling the effects of blocking a shot with his right foot two weeks ago in Sunrise…. Carey Price will get the start in goal on Friday in Buffalo. Carbonneau said he’ll see how Price plays before deciding on his starter for Saturday’s home game vs. New Jersey. Carbonneau says Jaroslav Halak will definitely get some work ‘in the next little while.’… The Curse of the Quebecois Goalie: Martin Brodeur comes to Montreal Saturday with the Canadiens struggling at the Bell Centre against homegrown products. They are 0-5 at home this season when facing Quebecois goalies, including three shutouts (Jocelyn Thibeault, Dany Sabourin, Pascal Leclaire). – TSN

Tonight’s lineup against the Buffalo Sabres:
Forwards:
A. Kostitsyn – Plekanec – Kovalev
Higgins – Koivu – S. Kostitsyn
Latendresse – Grabovski – Ryder
Begin – Lapierre – Steit
Defence:
Markov – Komisarek
Hamrlik – O’Byrne
Bouillon – Gorges
Goaltender: Price

Press Box: Brisebois, Kostopoulos, Smolinski??