Montreal Canadiens news and notes
- The Canadiens are back above .500 and right in the thick of the race for an Eastern Conference wild-card spot. [TSN | RDS]
- The Habs can’t rush their rebuild though to chase the carrot of the post-season. [The Hockey Writers]
- The holiday roster freeze offers a pause to the constant game of musical chairs amongst the team’s three netminders. [La Presse]
- Marie-Philip Poulin is proud that “little girls can now dream of being [part of the PWHL].” [RDS]
- Tereza Vanisova’s offensive potential sees her in a prized location — Poulin’s left winger — during training camp and preseason. [Radio-Canada]
- Taking a step back is not always easy. But it is sometimes necessary to move forward better. Such was the case for Brandon Gignac. [La Presse]
- The World Juniors offers a chance to evaluate Owen Beck’s progress. [Radio-Canada]
Around the league and elsewhere
- Detroit Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin says the rising number of dangerous hits resulting in injuries — including one that recently knocked him unconscious — is concerning to players across the NHL. [Sportsnet]
- 18-year-old Ewan Huet, son of Cristobal, will suit up for Switzerland at the upcoming World Juniors. [Daily Hive]
- Everything you need to know about the PWHL, from rosters to schedules and more. [The Athletic]
- What does Jacques Martin bring to the Ottawa Senators? [Daily Faceoff]
- Behind the scenes with goalie mask artist Dave Gunnarsson. [ESPN]
- A look at some of the draft eligible players who will be playing at the World Juniors. [Sportsnet]
- Mathis Rousseau and Samuel St-Hilaire will split the net as Canada aims to build chemistry in its pre-tournament warmup games. [TSN]
- The Colorado Avalanche cleared cap space last week by trading Tomas Tatar, leading to speculation about whether a more significant move is in store. [The Hockey News]
- “I love hockey, but I’ve got so much to learn on the other side of it.” Brent Seabrook’s latest step on that other side comes as part of Canada’s backroom setup for the 2024 World Juniors. [Sportsnet]
