A number of issues plagued the Canadiens this season, leading to an historic collapse and free-fall down the standings. Still, there are solutions out there for the Habs’ problems. [RDS]
Michel Therrien obviously has his critics, but Jacques Lemaire – who Therrien considers his mentor – believes the Canadiens head coach will get things back on track. [Canadiens.com]
Today is, perhaps unfortunately, the day Habs fans have been waiting for – the day of the draft lottery. What would be the best and worst case scenario for the Canadiens? [CBC]
Artturi Lehkonen had something of a coming out party for Frolunda in the SHL Playoffs, helping lead his team to the championship. The question now is what comes next for the Habs prospect. [La Presse]
Check out the story of Andrew Abbott – the St. John’s Ice Caps biggest fan. [Montreal Gazette]
The Calgary Flames have signed former Habs draft pick Daniel Pribyl to an entry-level contract. The Sparta Praha forward put up 45 points in as many games in the Czech Extraliga this season. [M&G]
Around the League and Elsewhere
The Canadiens will, of course, be involved in today’s draft lottery. Take a look at five things you might not know about the process that goes into determining the draft order. [National Post]
The league and the NHLPA have formally set rules for a potential expansion draft, including a requirement to protect any players with a No Movement Clause. This means Jeff Petry must be protected by the Habs. [Puck Daddy]
Connor McDavid is not a fan of the NHL’s draft lottery process, and has expressed his sympathy for projected first-overall pick Auston Matthews for having to endure the stressful moments McDavid experienced a year ago. [SN]
Lindy Ruff and Ken Hitchcock will coach opposing teams in the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, but it will not be for the first time. [National Post]
The Maple Leafs have iced some pretty bad squads over the years, but even having failed to win a Cup since 1967, there have been a few quality teams, too. Pension Plan Puppets look at the top four such Leafs teams since expansion. [PPP]
