Friday Habs Links: Max Pacioretty receives praise from Zdeno Chara

Montreal Canadiens Links

• Max Pacioretty continues to grow as a player, earning respect from the hockey world for his actions both on and off the ice. Check out this great read where Pacioretty receives praise from legend Chris Chelios, former captain Brian Gionta and surprisingly (given their history), Boston Bruins star Zdeno Chara. [ESPN]
• Could Sidney Crosby ever play for the Canadiens? Although the thought of him leaving the Pittsburgh Penguins for le bleu, blanc et rouge appears to be a far-fetched dream, it's no secret the Habs were a big part of his childhood. The guys over at Leafs Lunch joked around about the idea yesterday. [TSN 1050]
• Coincidentally, Washington Capitals star Alex Ovechkin shared some interesting information with us yesterday. In an interview with Pierre LeBrun, the NHL's leading goal scorer said that although he doesn't intend to leave the Caps, he would definitely love to play in Montreal if he had to pick another destination. So let's have some fun with this: What would you give up from the current roster to land either Crosby or Ovechkin? [ESPN]
• The Toronto Blue Jays are in town, and a few of them attended last night's game against the Capitals ahead of their two game series at the Big O this weekend. Pitchers Mark Buehrle, Brett Cecil and Todd Redmond joined Jamie Campbell to talk a little hockey. [Sportsnet]
• If it wasn't already evident that it's a big deal to score on Carey Price, it certainly is now. Watch this hilarious footage of the Habs as they celebrate scoring a goal on the star goalie during a fun practice drill. Can you imagine the feeling that comes with scoring against him in a game? [Canadiens]

Around the League and Elsewhere

• The Winnipeg Jets have been dealt a huge blow during their playoff push. Star defenseman Dustin Byfuglien has been suspended four games for his dirty cross-check to the neck of New York Rangers forward J.T. Miller. [TSN]
• Boston Celtics youngster Kelly Olynyk suffered a pretty crazy eye injury; one you don't often come across on the face of a basketball player. The tough Canadian didn't let it keep him on the sidelines, drawing inspiration from a conversation with Bruins defenseman Dougie Hamilton. While explaining the story, Olynyk accidentally revealed the "upper body" injury Hamilton has been dealing with. Oops! [Puck Daddy]
• After scoring his league leading 50th goal of the season, Alex Ovechkin received a congratulatory call from Wayne Gretzky. He was thrilled, surprised and humbled by the call. [Sportsnet]
• Speaking of Ovie, he scored an absolutely beautiful goal against the Canadiens last night for his 51st of the season, while breaking the Capitals all-time goal record. He added another one as well to tie the game in the third period. Amazing. [Sportsnet]
• Minnesota Wild defenseman Matt Dumba continues to emerge as a solid young player on the back end. It turns out he's also a pretty funny guy. Check out this cool segment as he goes around interviewing fans in Minnesota about himself and the team. [Wild]
• The Los Angeles Kings have come to terms with forward Tanner Peason on a two year extension, and it's a pretty solid deal. [Jewels From The Crown]
• Lastly, take a look at this absolutely unbelievable desperation glove save by Colorado Avalanche prospect Calvin Pickard from an AHL playoff game. [Puck Daddy]