Based on wins alone Jaroslav Halak will get the start in Ottawa over Carey Price.

BY LOUIS JEAN
sportsnet.ca

The Montreal Canadiens will be without defenceman Jaroslav Spacek on Saturday when it takes on the red hot Ottawa Senators at Scotiabank Place.

Spacek, who missed last Wednesday's game in Tampa Bay because of the flu, is now nursing an upper body injury. The Canadiens are expected to call up a defenceman from its AHL affiliate to fill the void.

Jacques Martin didn't say who his starting netminder will be against Ottawa, but based on wins Jaroslav Halak is currently the go-to-guy in goal. Carey Price has only one win in his last six starts.

"I don't think he's frustrated, maybe disappointed could be a better word," head coach Jacques Martin said. "I think he's making some great progress. He's a young man that has some talent and is getting better. I think he's improved his work ethic. He's involved in a competition to get time in the net and I believe and have said all along it's healthy. It helps him in his development."

Martin didn't hide his frustration with his club one step forward two steps back tendency.

When asked if his team was too small Martin replied, "I'll answer your question. Our highest scorer is (Mike) Cammalleri. Not a big man. We've got people on the third line and fourth line that are a lot bigger, but that don't have much production."