Saturday Habs Headlines: Canadiens still sliding, but there’s hope for change

Montreal Canadiens News and Notes

• The season’s end is approaching, and with every game played, the Canadiens have less time to turn their ship around. [Sportsnet]
• Despite the lack of results in the standings, there is hope that the coaching change is slowly having an effect. [Andrew Berkshire]/

In 3 games under Julien, the Habs' controlled exit rate has risen from 28th to 16th. There IS progress.

— Andrew Berkshire (@AndrewBerkshire) February 24, 2017

• Is it time for the Habs to blow up the core group and rebuild on the fly? [TSN 690]
• Claude Julien may or may not proceed with changes to the lineup before Saturday’s game against the Toronto Maple Leafs. [Arpon Basu]
• The always humble Brendan Gallagher admits he’s still not 100% recovered from his broken hand, but won’t use that as an excuse for his lower production. [Arpon Basu]/

Brendan Gallagher doesn't want to use it as an excuse, but I pressed him and he admits his hand is affecting the accuracy of his shot.

— Аrpon Basu (@ArponBasu) February 24, 2017

• Prospect goaltender Michael McNiven is continuing to show exemplary results in the OHL. [Owen Sound Attack]/

GAME. OVER!

Michael McNiven picks up the 5-0 shutout to tie Jordan Binnington for most wins in a single season with 32! #RoarWithUs pic.twitter.com/jSajG0ZLhN

— Owen Sound Attack (@AttackOHL) February 24, 2017

• Montreal’s ECHL affiliate, the Brampton Beast, made a couple of minor roster moves. [Brampton Beast]/

ICYMI - Beast sign CIS standout Vincent Llorca; Bryan Pitton and Mackenzie Braid released.

DETAILS ➡️ [https://t.co/NilxgsZ9OS]#RoarAsOne pic.twitter.com/VOqMjA8VQQ

— Brampton Beast (@BramptonBeast) February 24, 2017

• The Beast’s netminder, Zach Fucale, was a top junior player, and now is looking to establish himself in the professional ranks. [ECHL]
• Les Canadiennes kicked off their best-of-three semifinal series against the Brampton Thunder with a 7-1 victory. [Les Canadiennes]/

Around the League and Elsewhere

• Elliotte Friedman weighs in on a nixed Kevin Shattenkirk trade. [FanRag Sports]
• One trade which was successful was the Chicago Blackhawks’ acquisition of Tomas Jurco. [Chicago Blackhawks]
• Brian Bickell is about to play in his first professional hockey game since being diagnosed with MS. [ESPN]
• More news is starting to surface about the Islanders’ plans for a new building. [Pro Hockey Talk]
• The Arizona Coyotes also may need a new home, and their plans are going the opposite direction. [Pro Hockey Talk]
• The NHL 100 series takes a look at the longest suspension in league history, dished to the Bruins’ Billy Coutu. [Sports Illustrated]
• This week, I’ve seen a tennis tournament using dogs as ball-boys. I’ve also now seen the KHL have a dog drop the ceremonial faceoff puck at a playoff game. [Puck Daddy]
• An NCAA goaltender for Quinnipiac is alergic to ice. That’s right, a hockey player alergic to ice. [Vice Sports]/