Montreal, Quebec (My Sportsbook) - The Boston Bruins open a seven-game road trip tonight when they visit the Montreal Canadiens at Bell Centre.

Boston has lost three of its last four games entering the trek, including Saturday's 5-2 setback to Pittsburgh. Joe Thornton scored a pair of goals for the B's, but that was hardly enough to overcome a four-tally second period by the Penguins.

Thornton's goals were his 26th and 27th of the season, which place him second on the team to Glen Murray (28). Thornton is third in the NHL with 68 points, behind Mario Lemieux (73) and Markus Naslund (71).

Jeff Hackett, obtained from Montreal last month, was touched for five goals on 33 shots and fell to 3-2-0 since being acquired.

The Bruins embark on their current trek at an obviously critical time of the season. With 61 points, the Bruins are sixth in the Eastern Conference -- four behind Toronto and four ahead of the New York Islanders and Tampa Bay.

Boston, which has dropped five of its last six away from home, will visit Florida on Friday.

Montreal, meanwhile, snapped a four-game losing streak with a 2-0 win in Washington on Sunday and will kick off a four-game home set tonight. Against the Caps, Saku Koivu and Jan Bulis provided goals and Mathieu Garon made 25 saves in his first start of the season. Garon was called up from the AHL to backup Jose Theodore when Hackett was dealt to Boston.

The Canadiens enter tonight with 56 points, which is one behind the Isles and Lightning for the final playoff spot in the East. Montreal, 3-1-1-1 in its last six home tilts, opens a four-game Bell Centre set tonight. The Habs will welcome Columbus to town on Thursday.

Boston and Montreal have split four meetings this season, including a 6-3 Bruins win last Thursday in Beantown. Hackett made 28 saves against his old 'mates, and Thornton and Nick Boynton posted a goal and two assists apiece.

The Bruins have, however, lost in their last two trips to Montreal.