Author: Dose

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Nordiques jersey at the Bell Centre: RBC advertising is the problem

Montreal Canadiens fans generally look forward to every game of the season, but there will always be some where they know it’s going to be quite a show.

We knew that the most recent game against the Ottawa Senators, knowing what had happened in the preparatory schedule, was likely to be a shake-up. Accounts had to be rendered.

This season, however, there will be a very exciting and nostalgic match-up. This Saturday, when the Colorado Avalanche host the Habs, Joe Sakic’s team will be wearing the uniforms of the Quebec Nordiques.

What would have been even cooler is if the Avalanche had worn this jersey at the Bell Centre (on January 29).

However, based on what François Gagnon said during the first intermission of this afternoon’s game against the Golden Knights, there would be a problem.

Talking to people, the problem would be the RBC patch on the Habs jersey, which is mandatory for Habs home games on the coloured jersey.

Since the Nordiques’ jersey would also be coloured, we know that the NHL doesn’t really like to see the two opposing teams wearing coloured jerseys.

However, this detail that the NHL doesn’t really like could possibly change.

We recently saw the NHL allow a red versus blue duel between the New York Rangers and Detroit Red Wings.

The possibility is there for the Habs and the Nordiques the Avalanche.

There is a solution to this problem, and it would be to introduce the RBC patch on a white jersey, as an exception for such a game.

However, according to François Gagnon, this idea is not necessarily well received by the Habs.

In short, it remains to be seen whether the NHL will ever allow a blue vs. red game between the Avalanche and the Canadiens, or whether the Habs will allow the RBC patch on a white jersey for a special game. I think it would be quite a show at the Bell Centre.

Overtime

– Joel Teasdale was on fire for his first game with the Trois-Rivières Lions.

– He’s really on fire.

– Maple Leafs record another loss.

– This list is pretty impressive. Seeing Crosby and Malkin at the top is one thing, but seeing McDavid and Draisaitl close in is even more impressive in my book.

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Kaiden Guhle: Mike Matheson or not, he’s not for trade

The big news of the day for the Montreal Canadiens is the contract extension for Mike Matheson. An excellent contract for both parties.

He brings stability and experience to a very young team, which the Habs need and will need in the years to come.

On the other hand, there will always be a hole to fill in the famous second-center position, even if Oliver Kapanen is currently doing a very good job.

There are certainly pieces of the roster that would make it possible to go after this second center, and Kaiden Guhle has already been part of the speculation. However, Matheson’s contract extension also means that he has confidence in the group, so don’t trade the big pieces of the club to go and get another big piece.

The fact that Matheson has extended his contract doesn’t mean you should trade a guy like Guhle. Quite the opposite, in fact.

Guhle, though often injured, is extremely important to the Habs’ defensive brigade. Don’t throw in the towel for Guhle.

Matheson deliberately left money on the table to give himself the best chance of winning.

In the press briefing after today’s game against the Vegas Golden Knights, Matheson spoke to the media about his upcoming contract.

Clearly, he wants to win in Montreal, and if the Habs trade guys like Guhle to fill a hole, the club would be in a bit of a bind.

“I didn’t want to take all the money I could get. I knew there was enough for me.” – Mike Matheson

When a veteran like Matheson says he wants to win here, you have to do everything you can to improve the club. You can’t stand still.

So that means either trusting the current club and hoping the youngsters within the organization develop. Or we can trade a few of these youngsters for reinforcements.

Martin St-Louis also spoke to the media after the meeting, at the end of the press briefing, and he’s delighted that the Québécois has signed. He won’t be a distraction anymore.

St-Louis knows better than anyone how important Matheson is to the team.

We saw in the third period against the Golden Knights just how useful Matheson is to his team.

He stole the puck from none other than Mitch Marner in the Habs zone to immediately jump-start the attack, which led to Jake Evans’ goal, a very important one for the Habs.

Overtime

– Indeed, Slafkovsky had a very good game, and richly deserved it.

– According to Jeff Marek, the Red Wings should be on the lookout for Quinn Hughes.

– It won’t be an easy task. Jesper Wallstedt is all fire these days.

– David Pagnotta also adds that the Canucks will want help immediately if Quinn Hughes is traded. Lucas Raymond could strongly be a big piece of the trade, if it ever comes to fruition.

– You read that right. Taylor Makar is Cale Makar’s brother, and he plays for the Colorado Avalanche club-school.

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The habs goalies couldn’t have picked a better time to get back in shape

This afternoon, the Canadiens defeated the Golden Knights in Vegas. In the process, the club picked up its second consecutive win… and in both cases, beat a big Western team on the road.

Regardless of tomorrow’s result against the mighty Nordiques at the mighty Avalanche, the three-game trip will have been a success.

And when you think of those two wins, you think of the Habs goaltenders. What’s different is that this time, we’re thinking of them for all the right reasons.

On Wednesday night, Jakub Dobes stopped 31 of the 34 shots he faced. More importantly, he stood up after dropping it in the second period.

And this afternoon, Montembeault did even better: he turned aside 30 of 31 Golden Knights shots in what was his best performance of the season.

Suddenly, the discourse surrounding the Habs’ goaltenders is no longer negative. It’s still a small sample, but it’s clear that, like many of the club’s players for some time now, the two goalies have got their mojo back.

The trip out West clearly came at the right time. But above all, the wake-up call for both goalkeepers couldn’t have come at a better time.

Between now and next Sunday, the Habs will play five more games. And all of them, in fact, will take place in a two-games-in-two-nights situation. Dobes will be in net tomorrow, and we can expect both goalies to get two more starts each between now and the end of this crazy sequence.

The Habs can’t get by with just one good goalie: they need both goalies to be in top form if they’re going to win. And for the past few days, they have been.

And beyond the next week, the Canadiens have 13 games on the schedule between December 2 and December 23. The games will follow one another at breakneck speed (there will be two more two-game stretches in two nights after next weekend’s), and Martin St-Louis will need to be able to count on both his goaltenders.

Let’s hope Dobes’ confidence isn’t shattered by the mighty Avalanche tomorrow, that said. Because for both goalies, it looks pretty fragile, we agree.

In Overtime

– Ivan Demidov’s ice time continues to be the talk of the town.

– Let’s hope the Bell Centre will be the place to be for him, too.

– The guys have fun.

– Impressive.

– He is exceptional.

– Interesting.

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Samuel Montembeault shines in victory over Golden Knights

The Canadiens were back in action this afternoon. After a fine victory in Utah on Wednesday night, the Habs were in Vegas to take on the Golden Knights this afternoon.

For the occasion, Alexandre Texier played his first game in a Habs uniform, while Arber Xhekaj returned to the line-up.

Here’s the Habs line-up:

On the Golden Knights side, Mitch Marner faced the Habs for the first time in his new colors.

Here’s the home team line-up:

It was a fairly quiet first period, but Samuel Montembeault showed some nice things.

He was very, very solid.

And the club’s top line gave him a helping hand. Zachary Bolduc, who has really rediscovered his wanderlust on the first line, scored again today.

And once again, it was on the road that he hit the target, hehe.

After 20 minutes, the Habs had a 1-0 lead.

In the second, Cole Caufield found himself with the puck in a tight spot… but that didn’t stop him from scoring a beautiful goal.

Special mention to Alexandre Carrier, who was able to create the scoring chance.

Montembeault was once again solid in the second… even though his club multiplied missed chances on breakaways.

Jake Evans, among others, missed his chance, as did Cole Caufield and Oliver Kapanen before him.

After 40 minutes, the score was 2-0 in favor of the Habs.

And early in the third, Evans got another breakaway chance.

This time, he didn’t miss: he scored his team’s third goal. Alexandre Texier picked up his first point in a Habs uniform on the sequence.

But just when it looked like the Habs were headed for a shutout, Mark Stone had other plans.

He scored his team’s first goal with minutes left in the game… and let’s just say it’s hard to blame Montembeault when you look at the defensive coverage in front of him.

Still, the Habs held on for a big win over the Golden Knights. Juraj Slafkovský completed the scoring with an empty-net goal in a spectacular sequence.

Two wins in two games against two good clubs in the West: that feels good.

Final score: 4-1 Montreal

The Canadiens return to action tomorrow afternoon, when they take on the Avalanche (who will be wearing Nordiques colors). The game kicks off at 3 p.m. and will be broadcast on RDS.

Extensions

– The Habs played a really good game this afternoon. Facing a good team, it multiplied quality scoring chances, and didn’t give the Knights much. And when they did, Samuel Montembeault was there… except once, hehe.

– In the third period, Ivan Demidov received some treatment on the bench. More fear than harm, fortunately.

– Nick Suzuki finally seems to have recovered from his foot injury. The captain has been dominant since the start of the trip, and you can tell the three-day break before Wednesday’s game has done him good. With three consecutive sequences of two games in two days approaching, it’s reassuring to see that Suzuki seems to have regained his health.

– Lane Hutson has got his mojo back .

– Good news for the Habs: the Avalanche had to work overtime in Minnesota this afternoon, and Jared Bednar’s troupe even lost a shootout to the Wild. Playing at 3pm in Colorado tomorrow won’t be easy for the Canadiens… but the locals are likely to be tired, too.

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Mike Matheson’s agent admits: the number of years was more important than the money

This morning, the Canadiens settled a major issue: Mike Matheson’s contractual situation. The defenseman, who was a few months away from complete autonomy, signed a five-year contract extension to stay in town.

We’re talking about a pact that will pay him $6 million a year. For full details, click here.

When you look at this contract, two things stand out. The term is a little long for a defenseman who will soon be 32, but the annual salary is really less than what he would have earned on the independent market.

And in an interview with Nicolas Cloutier(TVA Sports), Matheson’s agent Philippe Lecavalier admitted that the number of years was more important than the money in these negotiations.

Matheson preferred to sign for a longer term than to break the bank: that’s why he’ll still be in Montreal next year.

What Matheson’s agent explains is that his client wanted stability first and foremost. And if the Habs ticked absolutely all his boxes, signing at a discount in Montreal was his goal.

His only condition: a long-term contract, which he eventually obtained. And his agent admits it: Matheson would probably never have signed a short-term contract with the Canadiens.

According to Anthony Martineau, who added details via his X account, the Habs originally wanted to offer Matheson a three-year contract, while the defenseman’s clan wanted six years. What prompted the Habs to give Matheson more years was his excellent physical condition.

We also note that, as with Lane Hutson, the Habs used tax breaks in this deal. Jeff Gorton was right: the Habs have cards up their sleeve to minimize their tax disadvantage, and they’re not afraid to use them.

What’s clear is that everyone gets what they want out of this. And that’s the most important thing.

Overtime

– I have a feeling it won’t last very long, hehe.

– Interesting.

– A name to watch.

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Mike Matheson: at $6 million, he would be the 61st-highest-paid defenseman in the NHL

Mike Matheson has signed a five-year contract extension with the Canadiens.

For the duration of the agreement, he will earn an annual salary of $6 million. That’s a very nice salary for a player like him… because we know how good he is.

But you have to look a little further to see just how good a contract this is for the Habs.

If Matheson were making $6M right now, he’d be the… 61st highest-paid defenseman in the National League (tied with Jonas Brodin and Sean Durzi).

61e!!!

Mike Matheson is 31 years old, and he’s going to slow down at some point. But, to say the least, he’s a bargain right now at $4.875 M per year… and he’ll be a bargain for the next few years, too.

I don’t think I’m exaggerating when I say that Mike Matheson is one of the 30 best defensemen in the National League right now.

He’s got his offensive skills, he’s gotten so good defensively… and his importance to the Canadiens is huge when you look at his role and usage so far this season.

Matheson spends an average of nearly 25 minutes (24:50) per game on the ice. That’s really, really not trivial…

But despite his important role in Montreal, his salary remains moderate by National League standards, and this is where we realize that Kent Hughes has handled the situation well. We thought there might be a chance of the defenseman being traded last season… but honestly, the Canadiens did so well by keeping him in Montreal.

And now, it’s the club that will benefit for years to come.

Overtime

– Speaking of the wolf:

– Well done.

– News in MLB:

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Alexandre Texier and Arber Xhekaj to play this afternoon

The Canadiens are about to take on the Golden Knights.

The afternoon game will take place in Vegas… and Martin St-Louis has made some changes to his line-up for the occasion.

Alexandre Texier will take Jared Davidson’s place in the line-up, while Arber Xhekaj will return to the line-up. Adam Engström, who made his NHL debut earlier this week, will pass.

More details to come…

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Advanced stats: The 1st line was (much) more effective with Juraj Slafkovsky

Over the past few games, we’ve seen Juraj Slafkovsky play on the Canadiens’ second line with Oliver Kapanen and Ivan Demidov.

And frankly, I don’t dislike Slaf’s performance. He’s not producing any points (just one assist in his last seven games), but he’s playing better without the puck, and it shows.

Except that Slafkovsky’s absence from the top line is also noticeable, especially when you look at the advanced stats.

Marc Dumont and Brian Wilde talked about it on Tony Marinaro’s podcast: Suzuki and Caufield’s numbers with Slaf are much better than those with Bolduc.

The first line, with Slaf, created more scoring chances, shot more on net… and there were more expected goals too with the big Slovak on the wing.

The line-up of Slafkovsky, Caufield and Suzuki was simply one of the best in the NHL. And the line-up of Bolduc, Caufield and Suzuki – while not bad – is far less dominant…

Brian Wilde took it a step further… saying that Bolduc doesn’t necessarily deserve his spot on the first unit right now.

He sees him more as an (excellent) third-line winger on a championship team. We agree: the Habs aren’t there yet in their rebuild, but hey.

Bolduc is a bit of a default right now, after all. If the Habs had gone for a true top-6 winger, we probably wouldn’t even be having this discussion today… and the Québécois would probably be playing on the team’s third line.

That said, the sample size is small and I think we need to give him a few games to see what he’s got. It might take him some time to adapt to the captain’s and Caufield’s style of play… and if he’s able to keep up, it could produce an interesting result.

A bit like we saw in the Canadiens’ last game against the Mammoth. Bolduc still finished his night’s work with three points, including two at even strength…

Overtime

– Wow.

– He’s going to be good.

– Oh.

– Of note.

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Mike Matheson signing: Kent Hughes has more flexibility to make a big trade

Lane Hutson, Kaiden Guhle, Noah Dobson and Mike Matheson.

These four defensemen have something in common. Yes, they all play for the Canadiens… but there’s more to it than that too.

All four are under contract until the end of 2031 (if not longer). Matheson’s contract and Guhle’s will expire in 2031, Dobson’s will expire in 2033… and Hutson is under contract with the Canadiens until 2034. Still!

If these four players are able to stay healthy, the Habs will have an excellent top-4 for… a very long time. And in fact, it could really help Kent Hughes move too, because there are a number of defensemen who could deserve a chance to make their mark elsewhere in the future.

Adam Engström, Jayden Struble, Arber Xhekaj, David Reinbacher, William Trudeau, Owen Protz, Bogdan Konyushkov, Bryce Pickford… I won’t fall off my chair if several of these players are included in a transaction at some point.

Depth is nice… but there are only six regular spots on a hockey club’s blue line.

Matheson’s long-term signing opens doors for Kent Hughes.

The Canadiens’ GM knows he’ll be able to count on excellent defensemen for years to come… and he also has the luxury of having others in his bank of prospects who have the potential to play in the National League one day.

It also underlines the fact that, right now, the Canadiens are armed to the teeth to make a big deal.

In addition to the prospects listed above, there’s Michael Hage, Alexander Zharovsky, L.J. Mooney, Aatos Koivu, Hayden Paupanekis, Joshua Roy, Vinzenz Rohrer, Owen Beck, Tyler Thorpe, and…

  • Five first-round picks by 2030
  • Six second-round picks by 2030
  • Five third-round picks by 2030

That’s no mean feat, to put it mildly.

And it could get exciting, because we know that Kent Hughes isn’t afraid to make a splash on the trade market…

Overtime

– Come on, Slaf!

– What sad news.

– Coming up.

– Pooler alert:

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Canadiens – Nordiques in the middle of the afternoon: the NHL screws up (again)

We’re just a few hours away from the game between the Habs and the Golden Knights in Vegas. Why a game on a Friday afternoon at 4:00 p.m. Quebec time ? Because it’s American Thanksgiving, and the NHL is first and foremost an American league, even if a large part of its revenues are generated in Canada.

It’s a far cry from the days when the league was based in Montreal..

In short, it’s American Thanksgiving and the Flames will play at 2pm (local time), the Habs and Sens at 4pm and the Maple Leafs at 5pm. You have to adapt to the American schedule… even if, in reality, the Americans didn’t adapt at all to our Thanksgiving on October 13.

But it’s not just today that the Habs will be playing a game in the middle of the afternoon; they’ll be facing the Avalanche tomorrow afternoon at 3:00 p.m. Quebec time.

Okay, so it’s not as bad on weekends as it is on Fridays… but the NHL still missed a trick by scheduling the Canadiens-Avalanche game on a Saturday afternoon.

The Avalanche will be wearing their Nordiques vests tomorrow for their game against the Habs. It’s sure to get a lot of attention in Quebec tomorrow.

(Credit: Avalanche)

However, the league should have thought of setting this game at 7:00 p.m. Quebec time, not 3:00 p.m. How do you kill a little buzz in Quebec?

The NHL dares to resurrect the history of the Nordiques – and the history of Quebec City – but doesn’t even bother to schedule the game at a time of interest to the people of Quebec.

Every year for the past 11 years, the decision-makers at TVA Sports decide which of the 22 national games will be broadcast on their airwaves. This year, they didn’t choose to broadcast tomorrow’s game because it will be played in the afternoon. Ratings are generally lower when the game isn’t played on Saturday night.

Think about it: tomorrow’s Nordiques – Canadiens game will be broadcast on RDS because TVA Sports decided it wouldn’t attract enough viewers. Instead, the network has chosen to broadcast games against the Mammoth, the Sabres and the Blues..

A sign that the NHL has screwed up its schedule, today and tomorrow!

Prolongation

The Avalanche are destroying everything in their path right now. The team has just posted three consecutive shutouts and sits atop the NHL, having suffered just one regulation-time defeat since the start of the season.

Except that defeat came when the Avalanche was wearing its Nordiques vest against the Hartford Hurricanes/Whalers.

Superstitious people – who never want to see the Habs’ powder-blue vest again – see it as a sign.

Will the Canadiens be able to surprise their old enemy in Quebec/Colorado tomorrow afternoon? We’ll see.

Itremains to be seen whether RDS will dare to write “QUE” to represent the Avalanche in its top left-hand table..