Montreal Canadiens news and notes
- Arpon Basu breaks down what failed for the Canadiens this season, and which steps Marc Bergevin should take to ensure it doesn’t happen again. Bob McKenzie discusses what may be to come from the Canadiens general manager this off-season. [TSN 690 | Basu | McKenzie]
- Brendan Gallagher and the Habs told rookie goaltender Charlie Lindgren that they would do all they could to give him a win in his first NHL game, and the team followed through. [Canadiens.com]
- Mike Condon, also competing in his rookie season, is tied for the league lead in wins by first-year netminders. [Twitter]
- Fortunately, former Habs coach Jacques Demers’ health has been improving following a stroke he suffered on Thursday. [La Presse]
- Thursday night was a night of firsts for the Habs, as Lindgren picked up his first win and Darren Dietz scored his first NHL goal:
— Canadiens Montréal (@CanadiensMTL) April 8, 2016
Around the League and Elsewhere
- Adam Oates investigates what players and coaches can learn from the greats like Wayne Gretzky, and what happens when you let talented players loose. [Players Tribune]
- Elliotte Friedman suggests that, despite how much the league might like to have Auston Matthews in Arizona, any team winning the draft lottery will hold onto it. [Twitter]
- According to the legendary Nicklas Lidstrom, picking a winner for the Norris trophy as the league’s top defenceman is no easy task this season. [TSN]
- The rookie class in the NHL has been terrific this season, but there should be little question that Connor McDavid is the league’s top first-year player. [Puck Daddy]
- The San Jose Sharks are rolling out the campaign for their Hart Trophy nominee – “Jumbo” Joe Thornton. [Twitter]
- Kris Letang has been having a terrific season in Pittsburgh:
— Sportsnet Stats (@SNstats) April 8, 2016
- A number of young, big name players, including the likes Nathan MacKinnon and Johnny Gaudreau, are poised for a raise on their second contracts this summer. [CBC]
