In a crucial game of the regular season, John Tortorella's Philadelphia Flyers (36-27-10) are gearing up to take on Martin St. Louis' Montreal Canadiens (27-32-12) on Thursday evening. The two teams will clash at the Bell Centre in Montreal, with the puck drop scheduled for 7:00 p.m. EDT. The game can be watched on NBCSP and listened to on 97.5 The Fanatic.

This matchup marks the second encounter between the Flyers and the Canadiens this season, with the Flyers emerging victorious in a 3-2 shootout win back in January. Owen Tippett and Morgan Frost were instrumental in regulation, while Sean Couturier sealed the deal in the shootout. Despite the Canadiens' quick start in the first period, the Flyers maintained their composure and stuck to their game plan.

Currently, the Flyers hold a one-point lead over the Washington Capitals in the intense battle for third place in the Metropolitan Division. Philadelphia will be seeking to extend their lead and solidify their position with a victory over the Canadiens.

There are several key factors to watch in Thursday's game. Firstly, the Flyers must maintain their strong process, as they did in their recent matches against top teams in the Eastern Conference. Consistency and urgency will be crucial to secure a win.

The offensive trio of Tippett, Frost, and Travis Konecny has been instrumental for the Flyers in recent games. Tippett and Frost have managed to contribute points in seven of the Flyers' last eight games, while Konecny has shown tremendous form since returning from an upper-body injury. The Flyers will look to capitalize on their offensive prowess against the Canadiens, with Tippett and Frost having previously found success against Montreal.

Furthermore, young rookie Tyson Foerster is closing in on an impressive 20-goal season. The last Flyers rookie to achieve this feat was Matt Read in the 2011-12 season, and Foerster's potential milestone highlights the promising future ahead for the Flyers.

Special teams will also be a crucial aspect of the game. The Flyers' penalty kill, despite recent struggles, ranks third overall in the league. However, they will need to regain their form and effectively neutralize the Canadiens' power play. On the other hand, Montreal's penalty kill ranks in the bottom half of the league, presenting an opportunity for the Flyers to exploit their shorthanded goal-scoring ability.

In Tuesday's game against the Colorado Avalanche, the Canadiens demonstrated resilience and determination, overcoming an early goal by Nathan MacKinnon to secure a 2-1 victory. Nick Suzuki leads the Canadiens in scoring with 67 points in 71 games, supported by Cole Caufield and Mike Matheson. The Flyers' defense will need to be sharp to contain Montreal's offensive threats.

As the Flyers continue their push for playoff positioning, every game becomes crucial in the tight standings of the Metropolitan Division. A win against the Canadiens would not only bolster their position but also provide the team with the confidence and momentum heading into the final stretch of the season.

Both teams will undoubtedly leave it all on the ice as they battle for vital points. The Flyers' ability to stick to their process and capitalize on offensive opportunities will be key in securing a victory against the Canadiens. Hockey fans can expect an intense and fiercely contested game in Montreal.