Once again the Panthers are out of serious playoff contention. They are very likely to sit out the Stanley Cup playoffs for the 18th time in 21 years. I don't see the Panthers getting that motivated for this matchup after beating Calgary in a shootout at home in their last game this past Thursday.

Montreal carries the higher fatigue rating, but are in circle-the-wagons mode having lost three in a row. Note, though, those losses were against far tougher competition. The Canadiens lost to the Maple Leafs in overtime at home and lost on the road to the Predators and Lightning on Saturday. This marks their fourth game in six days.

However, the Canadiens are 7-1 the past eight times in a four-on-six situation. They also beat Florida, 5-1, when they last met on Jan. 15. Montreal was playing without rest in that game, too. The Canadiens are 12-5 the past 17 times taking on a below .500 opponent.

It's confirmed that James Reimer will be in net for Florida. I consider him the weaker of the Panthers' two goalies. The Canadiens are likely to start backup goalie Antti Niemi. I'd rather have Carey Price in net, but this doesn't erase the play for me. I still like Montreal.