Time: Thu, December 31, 2009 at 5:00 PM ET
League: NHL – United States of America

Last 10 matches: Montreal 5-4-1; Florida 5-4-1.
Florida’s attendance on Sunday of 18,799 was the franchise’s second-largest of the season. The Panthers drew 18,802 for their home opener on Oct. 10. Habs defenseman Paul Mara is with the club, but hasn’t played since Dec. 21 due to a hand injury. … Panthers left wings Cory Stillman (knee) and Rostislav Olesz (flu) are expected to return on Thursday, while Dmitry Kulikov (knee), Kenndal McArdle (shoulder) and David Booth (concussion) are out.
Canadiens defenseman Andrei Markov has three goals and five assists in six games since returning from injury. … Panthers center Dominic Moore has two goals and three assists in his last seven contests.
This is the first of four meetings between the teams. They last faced each other on Jan. 29, when five different players scored for Florida in a 5-1 victory against Montreal at the BankAtlantic Center. Results and goal’s highlights, will be available soon..