Thursday Habs Headlines: Brendan Gallagher focusing on the positives

Montreal Canadiens news and notes

• Brendan Gallagher took to social media to thank fans, even while acknowledging how rough the season turned out to be:/

To our fans nobody wants to go through a year like we did but the support from you guys was there all season long, and it doesn’t go unnoticed. It’s special to wear the 🔵⚪️🔴 . See you all next season!!

A post shared by Brendan Gallagher (@bgally.11) on Apr 11, 2018 at 9:14am PDT

• With major changes promised for the organization, how might each of the Habs’ performances in 2017-18 factor in? [Radio-Canada]
• Despite missing the Calder Cup Playoffs yet again, Sylvain Lefebvre is optimistic about next season with Laval. [RDS]
• Jeff Petry’s youngest son may follow in dad’s footsteps:/

I think I know who’s going to take to hockey the quickest now. Not bad for an 11 month old… pic.twitter.com/eLyvsRwhPV

— Julie Petry (@petryules) April 11, 2018

Around the league and elsewhere

• Which teams have the best chance of preventing a Penguins three-peat? [The Guardian]
• Jaromir Jagr says he would be “more happy” if he returned to the NHL. [Pittsburgh Tribune-Review]
• As 15 teams head into the off-season, rumours and whispers are gaining more traction. [31 Thoughts]
• Gary Bettman remained artfully vague when asked about Ken Dryden’s suggestion that the NHL ban hits to the head:/

Hockey Hall of Famer Ken Dryden wants the NHL to ban head hits. Gary Bettman was asked that in an interview with @WFAN660 this morning.
Bettman: “I understand that Ken has some very strong opinions on the subject but there are a lot of people who have opinions to the contrary.”

— Rick Westhead (@rwesthead) April 11, 2018

• Two Canadian examples show how NHL teams can become real contenders. [Sportsnet]
• Unsurprisingly, Peter Chiarelli reveals that changes will be coming to Edmonton this off-season. [TSN]
• Apparently it’s even tougher to get Leafs playoff tickets than anyone thought. [The Hamilton Spectator]
• The Ottawa Senators have named Chris Neil as an alumni ambassador. [RDS]
• Tyler Johnson is no stranger to being underestimated, and he’s ready to take advantage of Tampa’s “second chance” at the Stanley Cup. [The Players’ Tribune]
• After a unanimous vote, the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League playoffs will continue. [TSN]
• Artemi Panarin opened up about his difficult path to becoming an NHL star. [The Athletic]
• The Washington Capitals took the fewest shots in the league this season, but they made them count. [Washington Post]
• Likely matching up against Patrice Bergeron in the first round, Auston Matthews will have his work cut out for him. [TSN]
• In the wake of a tragedy, media members like Dave Diebert have the difficult job of continuing to provide coverage. [The Scrum Podcast]
• Team China is making a lasting impression at this year’s IIHF Division I Group B Women’s World Championship. [Pension Plan Puppets]
• Statistically speaking, who should win at the NHL Awards this year? [TSN]
• It’s their first time in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, and the Vegas Golden Knights are making it a spectacle to remember:/

Pregame festivities in Vegas. pic.twitter.com/if3uv9VSCb

— NHL GIFs (@NHLGIFs) April 12, 2018