Author: Dans les Coulisses

Categories
Dans les coulisses

Matvei Michkov: a gamble that pays off for Daniel Brière

NASHVILLE, TN - JUNE 28: Matvei Michkov is shown with Daniel Briere and Keith Jones during the first round of the 2023 Upper Deck NHL Draft, held on June 28, 2023, at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Danny Murphy/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Tonight, the Canadiens visit Philadelphia for their second game in twenty-four hours, this time against the Flyers. This will be an important game for both teams, who won the day before and are both looking to build on their momentum following difficult starts to the season.

It will also be the first opportunity for Habs fans to see Matvei Michkov face their team. The rookie is off to an excellent start to the campaign, with nine points including four goals in eight games. The Russian forward is particularly threatening with a man advantage already boasting three goals and six points on the power play.

Today, Daniel Brière, the Flyers’ General Manager, must be very happy with his first major decision upon taking office!

Michkov’s seventh-round selection was a risky move, given that he was under contract to SKA St. Petersburg in the KHL for three years and had a reputation as a lazy player.

The Canadiens could have selected the Russian fifth, but chose David Reinbacher instead. However, it’s possible that Mishkov arranged to play in Philadelphia and didn’t want to come to Montreal.

In short, could tonight’s game (and his impressive start to the season) make fans and team management regret turning their noses up at the young forward? Maybe so. It’s definitely going to be interesting to watch!

It’s still early days, but so far Brière seems to have won his bet. By his own admission, “[Michkov] is impressive. So far, he’s better than I expected.

(OBOXADSQ || []).push({“cmd”: “addBanner”});

The Flyers organization has also gone to great lengths to facilitate the arrival and integration of its young prospects in North America. Even theiriron-fisted coach , John Tortorella, seems willing to allow his forward a certain amount of freedom to express his offensive talent.

In short, while the Flyers have had an even tougher start to the season than the Canadiens, with just two wins, Matvei Michkov’s performance is one of the great stories of the NHL’s early season, and very good news for the Flyers.

And it’s likely to be the talk of Montreal, not only because of the comparisons with Reinbacher, but also with our prospect Ivan Demidov, whose situation is very similar to Michkov’s.

Overtime

– Ohtani will be there!

– Pat and Lou at loggerheads?

– A big loss for the Sens.

– Big win for the Lions!

– Knee injury for Diggs.

– Some great NFL plays.

Categories
Dans les coulisses

Jordan Harris and Johnathan Kovacevic: completely different beginnings with their new teams

OTTAWA, ON - OCTOBER 17: New Jersey Devils Defenceman Johnathan Kovacevic (8) keeps eyes on the play during first period National Hockey League action between the New Jersey Devils and Ottawa Senators on October 17, 2024, at Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa, ON, Canada. (Photo by Richard A. Whittaker/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Johnathan Kovacevic and Jordan Harris were both traded by the Canadiens in recent months.

The right-hander was sent to New Jersey for a 4th-round pick in the 2026 draft, while the left-hander was part of the deal that brought Patrik Laine to Montreal.

That said, both guys are in a completely different situation with their new training.

Jordan Harris hasn’t impressed Blue Jackets management enough to play regularly.

He’s only played four games so far this season in Columbus, and finds himself in a depth role, as was the case in Montreal at times.

But for Kovy, everything’s running like clockwork: he’s played in every Devils game this season and plays an important role in New Jersey’s defensive brigade.

The proof?

Tonight, Kovacevic (as has often been the case since the start of the season) will play on the second defensive pair alongside Jonas Siegenthaler.

He’s used on the top-4 and there’s a reason: Sheldon Keefe appreciates the defenseman’s contribution to the line-up.

When Jordan Harris was in Montreal, it was said that he may have plateaued in terms of progression.

Without saying he’s a bad defender, Harris isn’t a player who stands out much on the ice because his style of play is relatively “flat”… Exactly like Kovacevic.

But Kovacevic has found a way to make his presence felt, and some are wondering if the Canadiens made a mistake in trading him for so little.

A fourth-round pick for a top-4 defenseman… We agree it’s not much.

On the other hand, like Jordan Harris, many thought that Kovacevic wasn’t capable of bringing more to the Habs organization. It’s the opposite that’s happening right now, and it makes you realize that sometimes, it’s the environment that can be favourable to a player’s progression.

That said, you have to be happy for Kovacevic. He’s playing because he deserves to, and Jordan Harris needs to look at what his former teammate is doing right to follow in his footsteps.

Categories
Dans les coulisses

Jake Evans: another performance worthy of an excellent player

MONTREAL, QC - OCTOBER 26: Montreal Canadiens center Jake Evans (71) plays the puck during the St. Louis Blues versus the Montreal Canadiens game on October 26, 2024, at Bell Centre in Montreal, QC (Photo by David Kirouac/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Last night, the Montreal Canadiens succeeded in their mission, and I’m not talking about winning the game.

Of course, winning 5-2 at home against the St. Louis Blues is a great achievement, but that wasn’t the essence of Martin St-Louis’ mission last night.

The mission was to silence the critics by playing a solid game defensively in Martin St-Louis’ system.

Well, that mission was accomplished, and even if it wasn’t perfect, the Habs managed to stop the hemorrhaging of goals by playing a good game defensively.

In short, the Habs deserved to win, which is good for everyone.

Several players stood out last night, and one of them was Jake Evans.

True to form, Evans once again gave his all in every one of his appearances last night.

He excelled in every department of the game, collecting a goal, an assist, a check and a blocked shot, all in addition to being 50% in the face-off circle.

There’s a reason Evans played 16 minutes and 40 seconds last night.

He fully earned his ice time with another performance worthy of an excellent player.

The more games he plays this season, the more Evans really shows himself to be an ideal depth player.

(OBOXADSQ || []).push({“cmd”: “addBanner”});

His shorthanded efficiency is incredible, his work ethic is exemplary, and on top of all the little things he does well, he manages to produce offensively.

Evans has one goal and four assists in eight games this season, clearly his best career start.

And let’s not forget that Evans is playing with Josh Anderson and Brendan Gallagher, the habs’ two big contracts.

The Habs’ #71 makes them look good while maintaining a 0 differential, which is solid considering Kirby Dach is at -9, for example.

In short, hats off to Evans.

It will be interesting to see if Kent Hughes decides to re-sign Evans, or trade him at the trade deadline given that he only has one year left on his contract at $1.7M.

(OBOXADSQ || []).push({“cmd”: “addBanner”});

What else can I take away from this game?

1. Lane Hutson had a very good game.

After a few more quiet/difficult games, Hutson bounced back well yesterday, as he was often the driving force behind the Habs’ attack in the offensive zone and on the rebound.

In fact, he picked up an assist in this game, making him the first rookie defenseman in Habs history to pick up seven assists in his first ten career NHL games.

2. Oliver Kapanen was flying around the rink last night.

The young Finn didn’t get a point in the win, but he was very solid.

I was on hand at the Bell Centre, and there was no denying among the fans next to me that the youngster played very well.

At one point, I was convinced he’d score his first NHL goal, but that’s for another time.

(OBOXADSQ || []).push({“cmd”: “addBanner”});

3. Arber Xhekaj did well and responded well to his coach.

He wasn’t perfect, but he knew how to do the little details at the right time, and was physical throughout the match.

Little by little, the sheriff will regain his confidence.

4. It’s a goal that will do Kirby Dach a world of good.

The Habs number 77 played his best game of the season last night, and you can feel the rust slowly disappearing.

Dach was at ease on the ice last night, displaying the kind of skills that set us on fire two years ago.

Overtime

– Worth noting for the upcoming draft.

– He’s very solid for the Leafs.

– Magnifique.

– Excellent start to the season for the young Kings defender.

Categories
Dans les coulisses

Elliotte Friedman confirms Habs are looking for a forward with character

Recently, the Montreal Canadiens have been rumored to be looking for a right-handed defenseman to play in their top-4.

It’s a rumor we’re keeping a close eye on, of course, but we’re also keeping in mind the idea of the Habs looking for reinforcements up front.

Indeed, several weeks ago, my colleague Maxime Truman reported that the Canadiens would be shopping for a forward to round out their bottom-6.

What’s even more interesting is that this rumour reported by Maxime Truman has just been brought back into the conversation, this time by Elliotte Friedman.

Last night, during the second intermission of the Habs game, the renowned insider stated that Kent Hughes would be looking for a gutsy forward, one with robust depth and the ability to contribute offensively.

Friedman confirmed that the Habs are indeed looking for a forward.

He added, however, that the Habs are telling every team they talk to that no future element of their long-term plan will be sacrificed.

Kent Hughes will not carry out any transaction that interferes with his plan for the future and compromises the club’s future.

It’s safe to assume that if the Habs do end up acquiring a sturdy forward for their bottom-6, it will be by trading veterans currently with the club and probably low draft picks.

Note that several options could be on the table for the Habs right now, as my colleague Marc-Olivier Cook mentioned a few weeks ago.

In short, this is an interesting avenue for the Habs to pursue in the coming weeks, and even now, should Josh Anderson be absent for a long time.

As much as we all love him, it’s not Lucas Condotta who will meet all the criteria the club is looking for.

Overtime

– A simpler game helped the Habs last night.

– A great game from the Leafs.

– A heavy check from Radko Gudas.

– Summary of the week among the Habs’ prospects.

– At just 18, Hurricanes prospect dominates the KHL.

– Of note.

Categories
Dans les coulisses

Overview of Habs prospects: Luke Tuch scores his first two goals in the pros

While the Montréal Canadiens bounced back last night after a difficult week, a number of CH prospects stood out in hockey leagues other than the NHL.

Whether in the AHL or the NCAA, the Habs’ prospects stood out.

Here’s the picture.

Luke Tuch – Left wing – age 22

After a series of up-and-down seasons and performances in the NCAA with Boston University, Luke Tuch was offered a contract by the Montreal Canadiens.

The Habs felt that Tuch still had potential, despite his lackluster progress in the U.S. collegiate ranks.

Tuch had a solid practice camp with the Habs, and is currently making his mark as an AHL rookie with the Laval Rocket.

Last night, in the Rocket’s 4-3 win over the Utica Comets, Tuch scored his first two pro goals.

These two goals give Tuch four points in six games this season.

At 22, Tuch remains a truly intriguing and interesting prospect in the Habs ranks.

With his excellent shot and robustness, he could very well end up establishing himself in the NHL in a depth role.

In fact, Tuch is exactly what the Canadiens are looking for on the trade market.

(OBOXADSQ || []).push({“cmd”: “addBanner”});

Joshua Roy – Right winger – 21 years old

In the same Rocket game, Joshua Roy also stood out, as he continues to shine with the Rocket.

He scored a goal and an assist last night, bringing his point total to six in six games.

In short, the Québécois is clearly showing that he’s too good for the AHL, but unfortunately, it’s his off-ice ability that’s working against him.

If statistics and performance were all it took, Roy would deserve an immediate call-up by the Canadiens.

Let’s see when the Québécois will be back in the NHL.

(OBOXADSQ || []).push({“cmd”: “addBanner”});

Sam Harris – Left wing – 21 years old

Who’s Sam Harris?

Sam Harris, a fifth-round pick (133ᵉ overall) of the Habs in 2023.

The 21-year-old prospect is playing his second NCAA season with the University of Denver this year, and so far it’s going very well for him.

Last night, he scored his sixth goal of the season, tying him for first place in the NCAA.

He’ll be one to watch this season, and if he keeps it up, the Canadiens could sign him.

Other notable performances

AHL:

  • Jared Davidson is another exciting prospect currently with the Laval Rocket. He scored his second goal of the season last night, giving him four points in six games as Tuch. At 22 years of age, he also remains a great project.

NCAA:

  • Jacob Fowler recorded his third win of the season last night, as Boston College prevailed 4-2 over Western Michigan University. Fowler turned aside 20 of 22 shots. He now boasts a .937 save percentage and a goals-against average of 1.51.

Overtime

– Incredible.

– It’s really the defense that’s lacking right now with the Habs.

– To be continued.

– The Oilers will have to get their act together.

– For those interested.

Categories
Dans les coulisses

Top-5: A horrible Auston Matthews turnover gives the Bruins victory in overtime

There were 14 games on the schedule last night across the National Hockey League, with only four teams off.

As a result, there were a number of excellent highlights across the board.

Here’s what caught our eye the most.

1. Auston Matthews: from hero to zero in minutes

It was a classic last night, as the Toronto Maple Leafs traveled to Boston to take on the Bruins at TD Garden.

And let’s just say, it didn’t disappoint.

With the game headed for a Bruins victory over the Leafs (yet again), Auston Matthews was the hero, tying the game with just over a minute to go.

So we headed into overtime with the momentum clearly on the Maple Leafs’ side.

But, true to form, the Leafs choked.

And more precisely, it was the captain himself who was responsible for the defeat.

After tying the game, Matthews committed a horrible turnover in overtime, feeding a perfect pass to David Pastrnak who picked out Brad Marchand for the winning goal.

In short, from hero to zero for Matthews in the space of a few minutes, as the Bruins won 4-3 in overtime.

The Leafs are 4-4-1 this season and don’t seem to be any different than the team that loses in the first round every year.

(OBOXADSQ || []).push({“cmd”: “addBanner”});

2. Matvei Michkov continues to impress

The Montreal Canadiens’ young Russian prospect from the Philadelphia Flyers has been nothing short of sensational since his arrival in the NHL.

He’s scoring points in virtually every game, and looks a clear candidate to win the Calder Trophy at the end of the season.

Yesterday, as the Flyers hosted the Minnesota Wild, Michkov took the opportunity to score his first Philadelphia goal in front of his home fans.

A magnificent shot worthy of the major lines.

In this 7-5 victory, Michkov also picked up an assist, making it nine points in his first eight career NHL games.

He’s exceptional, and the more the days go by, the more he hurts the Habs fans.

It’s also worth noting that in this game, Sean Couturier, playing his 500th career game, collected five points, including a hat trick.

His first goal of the game was his first in 33 games.

(OBOXADSQ || []).push({“cmd”: “addBanner”});

3. Matthew Tkachuk: the league’s biggest goalie pest

Last night, in the Florida Panthers’ 6-3 win over the New York Islanders, we had the perfect example of why Matthew Tkachuk has such a reputation as a pest.

I’ll let you watch the following sequence, which leads to a Tkachuk goal.

For those who didn’t make it to the video replay, here it is.

In short, Tkachuk can be seen disturbing Semyon Varlamov as best he can by checking him, taking his stick from him and giving him one last poke to finally score on the throwback.

A real pest, that Tkachuk.

Mackie Samoskevich scored his first NHL goal of the game.

(OBOXADSQ || []).push({“cmd”: “addBanner”});

4. Jonathan Marchessault gives the Preds victory with a magnificent goal

The Nashville Predators got off to a VERY poor start to the season with five consecutive losses, but they’ve been quietly bouncing back ever since.

Last night, they scored a 3ᵉ straight win, this time by a 4-3 score in overtime against the Columbus Blue Jackets.

It was Jonathan Marchessault who scored the winning goal in overtime, as he went for a magnificent individual effort, breaking the ankles of a Blue Jackets player in the process.

(OBOXADSQ || []).push({“cmd”: “addBanner”});

5. The Jets are simply unbeatable

For several days now, the Winnipeg Jets have been the only unbeaten team in the entire NHL, and that remained the case last night with their 5-3 victory over the Calgary Flames.

Things are looking up for the Jets, and even their luck is smiling on them at the moment, as evidenced by Dylan Samberg’s goal.

That now makes eight straight wins to start the season, which is a record in NHL history for Scott Arniel as a new team head coach.

Extension

– Connor Bedard scores his 3ᵉ goal of the season, and his 9ᵉ point in as many games. What a blistering shot.

– Connor Geekie scored his first NHL goal last night.

– In Vancouver, Arshdeep Bains achieved the same feat as Geekie.

– Here are all the results from the previous day.

– Here are yesterday’s top scorers.

(Credit: NHL.com)

– Today’s NHL schedule: four games.

(Credit: Google/NHL)
Categories
Dans les coulisses

Lucas Condotta recalled by the Canadiens

Josh Anderson was injured in tonight’s game against the Blues. Another injury in Montreal? Yes.

This time, while blocking a shot, Josh Anderson, who is developing into a good power play player, hurt his foot. It didn’t seem to do any good.

He didn’t finish the game.

With Juraj Slafkovsky injured and Josh Anderson a doubt for tomorrow, that’s just 11 healthy forwards – as far as we know, of course.

What does all this mean?

What we do know is that Anderson will travel to Philadelphia with his teammates tonight. We don’t know if he’ll be able to play tomorrow night in Pennsylvania, but he’ll be with the team.

But just in case, Lucas Condotta has been recalled.

(OBOXADSQ || []).push({“cmd”: “addBanner”});

The Rocket captain is the first forward to be recalled this season. Logan Mailloux also received a call from the Habs about a week ago.

This puts him ahead of Joshua Roy and Alex Barré-Boulet (who started the season in Montreal), to name but a few.

With the Rocket playing in the U.S. tonight, more specifically in Utica, the forward will be staying in the States and heading to Philly instead of returning to Laval with his teammates.

To be continued.

Extension

– If Anderson can play, is it Condotta who won’t? Could it be Michael Pezzetta? Perhaps, yes.

– But in the meantime, we’ll be keeping an eye on Josh Anderson’s state of health, as he heads for a fairly crowded infirmary. #Slafkovsky #Laine #HarveyPinard #Barron #Guhle

Categories
Dans les coulisses

The Canadiens end four-game winless streak

After losing to the Rangers on Tuesday night, the Canadiens were back in action tonight against the St. Louis Blues.

Samuel Montembeault was tasked with ending the team’s four-game losing streak.

Here are the line-ups:

In the first period, after killing off a penalty, Jake Evans took advantage of fine passes from David Savard and Joel Armia to score his first goal of the campaign.

His hard work of late has finally paid off.

In the second period, goals came from all sides.

First, Kirby Dach scored his first goal in 593 days. And finally!

But seconds later, the Blues closed the gap.

And 2:29 minutes later, they tied it.

(OBOXADSQ || []).push({“cmd”: “addBanner”});

At the end of the period, the Habs took advantage of the first seconds of a powerplay to score a beautiful goal.

3-2 after 40 minutes of play.

Montreal has scored a powerplay goal in seven of eight games this season.

Early in the third period, Cole Caufield scored a true marker.

With a powerful, precise shot, he foiled Jordan Binnington.

Final score: 5-2 Montreal. Armia scored his first goal of the season in an empty net.

Martin St-Louis’ team won’t be idle for too long. They’ll be in Philadelphia tomorrow night.

Cayden Primeau will be in net.

Prolongation

– Rocket win.

– Lions lose.

– He never returned to the game. Renaud Lavoie says he expects a recall.

– Just a reminder.

– I can imagine.

– Especially not for a fourth-line guy…

– He had a strong game.

Categories
Dans les coulisses

First goal since March 23, 2023 for Kirby Dach

Tonight at the Bell Centre, the Canadiens were looking to end a four-game losing streak.

To get back on track, Kirby Dach decided to take matters into his own hands.

He doubled his team’s lead and scored his first goal of the season, but more importantly, his first goal since March 23, 2023 (593 days).

Of course, Dach didn’t find the back of the net last year, getting injured in the second game.

(OBOXADSQ || []).push({“cmd”: “addBanner”});

77 hasn’t had the best start to the season, so this goal will do him a lot of good.

He’s added a bit of flair by landing on this net. Nick Suzuki and Mike Matheson picked up the assists on Dach’s goal, who plays on the first line in the absence of Juraj Slafkovsky.

Overtime

The two-goal lead lasted only a few seconds. 21 seconds later, Colton Parayko reduced the gap to one goal.

Québécois Mathieu Joseph picked up an assist on the sequence.

And 2:29 minutes later, St. Louis tied the game.

Categories
Dans les coulisses

Patrik Laine no longer walks with an obvious limp

Despite a good start to the season (two wins in three games), the Canadiens have fallen back to earth in recent days.

Tonight, Montreal will try to put an end to a four-game losing streak.

What’s more, Juraj Slafkovsky isn’t feeling well, Kaiden Guhle has been out of the lineup for a few games and Justin Barron is currently in the concussion protocol. At least, according to Renaud Lavoie, all three should be back in action within two weeks.

Another on the sidelines is Patrik Laine. He has yet to play a regular-season game.

But the news is good. According to Arpon Basu, he’s no longer wearing the big brace on his knee, and he’s no longer walking with an obvious limp. I look forward to seeing him in the line-up tomorrow night.

His return to the game is eagerly awaited, because right now, the second line is pulling out all the stops. In fact, only the first line seems to be producing since the start of the season.

Take a look for yourself:

(OBOXADSQ || []).push({“cmd”: “addBanner”});

(Credit: )

On October 1, the Canadiens confirmed that Laine would miss two to three months, which was good news at the time.

Contact with Cédric Paré gave the impression that his season was over.

If the winger doesn’t progress faster than his official rehabilitation period issued by the club, he could return around December 1. That’s still a long way off, but to see him walking (almost) as he should is a very encouraging sign.

His next step is to skate solo. One thing’s for sure, Martin St-Louis and the players must be missing the maverick…

Overtime

– Luke Tuch breaks the ice.

– They’re in great shape.

– A second one for Joel Edmundson.

– They play together in St. Louis.

– THW: Kirby Dach, a good target for the Flames? [THW]

– Well done.