Saturday Habs Headlines: Claude Julien’s power of positive places Habs in post-season.

Montreal Canadiens News and Notes

• After missing in dramatic fashion last year, the Habs are headed to the playoffs, thanks in part to the efforts of Carey Price and the hiring of Claude Julien. [NHL]
• Captain Max Pacioretty highlights the power of Claude Julien’s positive reinforcement. [Arpon Basu]/

Here's Max Pacioretty on Claude Julien's positive reinforcement, which many Habs players have talked about: https://t.co/IyNNigvOlx pic.twitter.com/jaIotHmhkQ

— Аrpon Basu (@ArponBasu) March 31, 2017

• Nathan Beaulieu is a polarizing figure, which makes it worth while to look deeper at his advanced statistics. [RDS]
• Bob McKenzie joins the morning show to discuss whether or not the Canadiens are a force to be reckoned with in the Eastern Conference. [TSN690]
• The last Cup winning Habs team reminisces about the magical 1993 run. [Canadiens]
• Prior to the ‘93 Cup, this cartoon was published, so sharing it again might just lead to renewed glory. [Marc Napolitano]/

@JiCLajoie @mathiasbrunet Vieille caricature de PIJET en 1993. La republier pourrait booster le CH! pic.twitter.com/i6Qxmo8PHa

— Marc Napolitano (@NapolitanoMarc) March 31, 2017

• Michel Lacroix has twice replaced Claude Mouton with the Canadiens. [Andrew Zadarnowski]
• Former Canadien Gino Odjick wasn’t just tough on the ice, he has battled and won against severe illness and reports that he is now in remission. [TVA Sports]
• Meanwhile, a trio of former players are getting some ice time together. [Chris Nilan]/

Oleg,Knuckles and Ash basically Oleg can do whatever he wants to do on the ice tonight pic.twitter.com/VtPxizqWtK

— Chris Nilan (@KnucklesNilan30) March 31, 2017

• Montreal’s ECHL affiliate approaches playoffs. [ECHL]/

The @BramptonBeast can clinch a berth in the Kelly Cup Playoffs on Friday with a win OR an overtime/shootout loss

— ECHL (@ECHL) March 31, 2017

• The Canadiens are showing some support to the Toronto Blue Jays. [Roberto Osuna]
• Brendan Gallagher, too, is feeling baseball fever. [Canadiens]/

Around the League and Elsewhere

• The Hart trophy can be the hardest to predict - that said there’s a core group of contenders this year. [Sportsnet]
• Joel Eriksson Ek has had a crazy year, scoring in his first ever: AHL game, SHL game, NHL game, and first game back in the NHL after returning from Sweden. [Michael Russo]
• George McPhee says the Las Vegas Golden Knights will focus on finding players who can make an immediate impact, focusing on quality over quantity. [NHL]
• Do you love emojis? Do you also love Alex Ovechkin? Because Ovie has now released his very own emojis! [OviMoji]
• While Quebec came up empty in the latest NHL expansion bid, their arena was built, and the mayor is anxious for the building to start making money. [La Presse]
• Craig Cunningham has had a whirlwind few months, but hockey players are tough, and the recovering Tucson Roadrunner hit the ice for the first time since November. [Tucson Roadrunners]
• Sometimes a photo can tell a thousand words, such was the case as this moment between Simon Bourque and Tyler Boland was caught on camera. [Océanic de Rimouski]
• The University of North Dakota has cut its women’s hockey team, and nobody is happy about it. [Teen Vogue]/