Wednesday Habs Links: Bruins are a “measuring stick team”

Montreal Canadiens Links

• Is it too early to get psyched up for the October 19 Canadiens vs. Bruins game? During the player media tour, Pacioretty told ESPN.com that he considers the Bruins a measuring stick team for the Canadiens. “We play against them so many times a year, they’re one of the best teams and you really can tell a lot about your team by how you measure up against the Boston Bruins”. [ESPN]
• From the same article – check out Subban’s response when asked about Shawn Thornton playing for the Panthers. “Well, I don’t mind him squirting me with water in Florida because it’s hot there.” This guy is worth every penny of his new contract.
• Pierre LeBrun gave his thoughts on the vacant “C” on TSN Melnick in the Afternoon. On one end of the scale, Tomas Plekanec would be the safe choice (ie. as another silent captain à la Brian Gionta), on the absurd and impossible end – Carey Price. [TSN Podcasts]
• Hundreds of singers lined up at the Bell Centre today to audition for the role of the official Canadiens anthem singer. There’s no word for when the final singer will be announced, but well done to everyone who got up on stage to give a shot at their dream. [Canadiens]
• Jean Béliveau is recovering at home after suffering from pneumonia, according to his wife Élise Béliveau. It’s not serious. The Habs legend is obviously well enough to follow current team news, as Subban even mentioned that he received a congratulatory phone call on behalf of Beliveau earlier this summer. [CBC]
• Habs prospect Jacob de La Rose (LW) ranks number 37 on NHL.com’s Top 60 Prospects list. Zachary Fucale (G) follows twenty spots later at 57. [NHL]

Around the NHL & elsewhere

• Leafs Nation’s Steve Dangle recounts his experience at the EA Sports fan event, and he also reviews his advanced copy of NHL 15. Every blogger so far seems unimpressed by the game itself, but watch the video for a glimpse of the fabled 24/7 Randy Carlyle Toaster. [Leafs Nation]
• Shame that other aspects of it were so terrible, but apparently EA Sports hired a physicist to spend 10 months improving the game’s “puck physics” to make it more realistic. [The Hockey News]
• Prospects are about to hit the ice in the upcoming prospect tournament. Check out a few that you should be keeping your eyes on. [Fansided]
• If you were excited by the “C” on Pacioretty’s sweater in NHL 15, note that Derek Stepan of the New York Rangers also wears one on his virtual sweater. [Blue Line Station]
• Gary Bettman shows off his hockey skills by inaugurating a talk show’s “Fun-Zone”. Either his hands are as soft as his heart is hard, or this is some very poorly edited video.[TVA Sports]
• ‘Miracle On Ice’ legend Bob Suter passed away from a heart attack at the age of 57. Our condolences to his friends and family. [The Hockey News]