Tuesday Habs Links: Canadiens recreate game day while awaiting Bruins

Montreal Canadiens News

• The Canadiens recreated a game day environment Monday, including a full match in front of an empty Bell Centre featuring current players and the black aces up from Hamilton (French).
• The NHL mic’d up players from the Habs/Lightning series, and here are the results.
• Meanwhile, the Canadiens prepare for the Boston Bruins, who will not be an easy opponent.
• If fact, as James Mirtle writes, the Bruins are playing their best hockey at the right time.
• Joe Haggerty writes about how the Canadiens may be the toughest test for the Bruins left in the east.
• In case you missed it, the Bruins are quite good at an Olympic sport other than hockey.
• Jarome Iginla says he respects the Canadiens a lot, and can’t wait to be a part of his first Habs/Bruins series (French).
• Richard Labbe has a good story on the long path to Montreal for Mike Weaver (French).
• Steve Begin thinks Milan Lucic is a clean player. Hey, remember Steve Begin? (French).

News and Notes from Around the NHL

• According to a report, Hockey Canada is working with USA Hockey on a plan to remove (or increase penalties for) fighting from junior hockey by no later than the start of the 2015-2016 season. That’s huge news.
• The Calgary Flames have reportedly found their new GM, and it’s Phoenix Coyotes assistant Brad Treliving.
• The Carolina Hurricanes, meanwhile, are expected to make franchise icon Ron Francis their new GM.
• Zdeno Chara, Duncan Keith, and Shea Weber were named finalists for the Norris Trophy.
• Elliotte Friedman has his latest 30 thoughts, including some notes on Thomas Vanek.
• Justin Bourne writes about why home ice advantage has been so crucial these playoffs, at least in the west.
• Defending Big D has a good recap of a tough night for Stars fans Sunday, and some encouraging words.
• Blues fans aren’t so hopeful. They’re emotional and already conducting a post-mortem. Sean McIndoe warns them against panicking like the Caps after 2010.
• The folks at Pensburgh examine Sidney Crosby’s scoring struggles in this series. Ryan Lambert looks into why he’s being booed in his own rink.
• Adam Gretz continues his great work looking at whether Rick Nash is helping the Rangers at the moment.
• Finally, ESPN’s Michelle Beadle attended prom with Jack Jablonski (if you haven’t heard of him, look him up). It was adorable.