The Dallas Stars were unable to build on two consecutive wins a week ago as they came up short in a 3-1 defeat versus Boston their last time out. It won't be any easier tonight when they'll open a three game road swing with a meeting against the Canadiens in Montreal. Dallas has lost three of its last four away from home, while the Canadiens have won two straight on home ice, defeating accomplished opposition in the Predators and the New York Islanders. I think we're getting a fair price on the hosts in this contest.

Here are my keys to the game:

1. Special Teams - The Canadiens power play unit has really delivered the goods lately, finding the net on seven of 18 opportunities over the last four games. Dallas' penalty kill is ranked 23rd in the NHL allowing a goal on 21% of the times its been called upon and has conceded a goal in each of the last two games.

2. Home Cookin' - The Stars have relied on sniper Tyler Seguin to make up for their inability to defend so far this season, particularly on the road where Dallas concedes an abysmal 3.45 goals per game. Seguin and co. will be up against one of the stingiest defenses in the NHL tonight though, and the Canadiens are conceding only 2.27 goals per game on home ice. Stellar defensive performances have not stopped them from punishing their opponents on the other end of the rink as well though, and Montreal is averaging 3.18 goals per game while holding a 15-5-2 record at Bell Centre.

3. X-Factor - The Canadiens have confirmed they will send their star netminder Carey Price to tend the net tonight. He's 24-10-2 behind a 2.15 GAA for the season while the Stars' first-choice Kari Lehtonen has posted a 2.98 GAA over 39 appearances and back-up Anders Lindback an even worse 3.79 GAA over nine games.

Selection: This is a play on the Montreal Canadiens (8*)