Tuesday Habs Headlines: Canadiens eager to leave 2017 behind them
A new calendar year is as good a time as any to change the way the season is going. Also, taking a look at Pacioretty trade rumours, one injured player takes steps towards a return, while another remains with no ETA.
Montreal Canadiens news and notes
- After losing four straight to end 2017, the Habs hope a home stretch will kick off 2018 in a better tone. [Canadiens]
- Amid trade winds, the possibility of a Max Pacioretty trade shouldn’t be seen as a bad thing, it could be beneficial for him and for Montreal if done right. [Sportsnet]
- Pacioretty on how he keeps off-ice stories from affecting him. /
Asked Max Pacioretty how he can block out reports and trade rumours when the reality the Canadiens are facing, being so far out of the playoff picture, ensures they will not subside. His response: pic.twitter.com/H0h3X0OL1c
— Eric Engels (@EricEngels) January 1, 2018
- The captain is still shooting a lot, and from good areas, but isn’t hitting the back of the net as much as he should. [Sean Tierney]
- Al Montoya is back on the ice, meaning a return from injury is approaching. [La Presse]
- Good news: Shea Weber doesn’t have a fracture in his foot. Bad news: he’s still out indefinitely. [JdM]
- Nicolas Deslauriers was disappointed to be left aside on Saturday night, but says he understands Julien’s decision. [RDS]
- The Shaw family is going to welcome a new member next summer. [Instagram]/
Around the league and elsewhere
- The Sedin twins have played their whole career together, and being the third wheel on a forward line with the brothers is no easy task. [Sportsnet]
- Connor Hellebuyck has earned top honours in the NHL’s stars of the week. [NHL]
- Scotty Bowman is enjoying his life in Florida. Stu Cowan catches up with the coaching legend. [Montreal Gazette]
- Patrick Eaves is getting great support from Anaheim Ducks fans as he fights illness. /
My parking spot just got A LOT better! Thank you Ducks fans for all your support. It was a great day at the Honda Center yesterday with the big win and seeing everyone. Thanks for the wonderful welcome and I look forward to getting back on the ice! @AnaheimDucks #DailyMotivation pic.twitter.com/ZQEfARyR0k
— RealPatrickEaves (@Patrick_Eaves) January 1, 2018
- If you missed the PuckDrop Podcast with Broc Little from last year, check it out now and get to know one of Team USA’s Olympic picks for the upcoming games. [EOTP]
- Jordan Greenway, another selection to Team USA, will break the colour barrier for the US at Olympic hockey events. [Sporting News]/