Game Preview: Canadiens @ Penguins

CANADIENS (22-9-5) @ PENGUINS (24-8-5)
PITTSBURGH - The Canadiens will close out the 2016 calendar year in Pennsylvania against the defending Stanley Cup champion Pittsburgh Penguins on Saturday night at PPG Paints Arena.

Michel Therrien's troops will be looking to pick up where they left off on Thursday night in South Florida, when they snapped a three-game winless skid with a 3-2 overtime victory over the Panthers. Max Pacioretty and Brendan Gallagher scored in regulation time, before Phillip Danault registred the game-winner in the extra frame.
For their part, the Penguins go in search of a fourth consecutive victory. They downed the Carolina Hurricanes 3-2 in their most recent outing on Wednesday night.
Saturday night's matchup will mark the second meeting of the year between Montreal and Pittsburgh. Back on October 18, the Canadiens posted a 4-0 shutout victory over the Penguins in the home opener at the Bell Centre.

After watching Al Montoya pick up the win in Sunrise, Carey Price will be back between the pipes on Saturday night. The Anahim Lake, BC native wasn't in goal the first time the two clubs met earlier this season. He boasts an 11-10-3 record, 2.89 goals-against average and a .909 save percentage in 25 career appearances against Pittsburgh.
For his part, defenseman Shea Weber will be suiting up for his 800th career NHL game on Saturday night.
Marc-Andre Fluery will be in goal at the other end of the ice. Fleury came on in relief of Matt Murray during the third period on Wednesday night when Murray suffered a lower-body injury against the Hurricanes.
Head coach Mike Sullivan's squad boasts a league-best 16 wins on home ice during the 2016-17 campaign.
The Canadiens will be playing their first game in three seasons on New Year's Eve. Over the years, they've amassed a record of 18-11-5-2 on December 31.
Puck drop is scheduled for 7 p.m. EST. The game will be broadcast on CBC and TVA Sports, as well as on TSN Radio 690 and 98,5 fm.