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]/