Author: Dose

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Marc Bergevin as Kings GM: “much less likely”

In recent years, Marc Bergevin has been interviewed several times to become a GM in the NHL again.

But as you can see, he hasn’t managed to get back the job he had with the Canadiens. Will he be able to do so in the future? We’ll have to wait and see.

It depends, after all, on whether there’s a fit somewhere.

Right now, there are two vacancies among the 32 NHL teams: the Kings and the Islanders. And in both cases, Marc Bergevin has been linked to the vacancy.

Is this possible in New York? Yes, it’s possible. But who knows how highly the Islanders’ owners think of him… and who knows how much the first overall pick changes the game.

Because yes, that’s part of the equation.

That said, Renaud Lavoie, who spoke about the Islanders this morning on BPM Sports, mentioned that the Islanders would like to make a reset on the fly. And Bergevin has already done that in Montreal… which means he can sell his salad that way, if he wants.

What about the Kings?

Since the Kings have employed Bergevin for several years as an assistant, it makes sense that the Québécois would be considered for the position, which is below that of his friend Luc Robitaille in the hierarchy.

But is it likely? Less and less so.

Elliotte Friedman, who once thought it likely that he’d be GM the day Rob Blake left, recently said he’s no longer convinced that’s the plan. And this morning, on his podcast (32 Thoughts), he went further.

Marc Bergevin as GM of the Kings is much less likely. We’ll see what happens. – Elliotte Friedman on Marc Bergevin

Ken Holland is a name to watch right now. Friedman mentions that the former Oilers and Red Wings man might like one last chance as GM.

His name also comes up in New York… but the California project is clearly more attractive, if both possibilities are on the table.

Overtime

– A club to watch.

– Big birthday for Canadiens basketball.

– Logical.

– Notable.

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Matthew Tkachuk threatened William Nylander following the hit on Aleksander Barkov

What else? How do you like the series?

It seems that this year in particular, there are always twists and turns, stories to follow or dirty tricks. Every game brings a new intrigue to the 2025 series.

Thanks to yesterday’s Stars and Panthers wins, here’s what the playoff picture looks like. It’s hard to ask for more in terms of intrigue, isn’t it?

(Credit: NHL.com)

And yesterday, there was one storyline that had everyone talking: Max Domi’s hit on Aleksander Barkov.

At the end of the game, with the Maple Leafs no longer in a position to mount a comeback, Domi hit the Panthers star from behind, and the reaction was overwhelming.

Should we expect the league to punish the hit? No.

But does that mean the Panthers players will sit back and do nothing? No, that’s not what it means, because the culture there is different from elsewhere.

The Canadiens need to learn from this… but I digress.

Who decided to take the matter into his own hands and tell William Nylander that the Panthers wanted an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth with a star on the other side? Matthew Tkachuk, of course.

I’ll get you. – Matthew Tkachuk to William Nylander

It’s no coincidence that the culture changed in Florida the second Tkachuk came to town. Having a guy like him in your organization helps bring about a culture where guys play for each other.

And the Maple Leafs, who have dropped the last two games, can’t be feeling too good this morning. Max Domi must know that he’s woken up a bear that was, in a way, sleeping.

overtime

– He may have a bad back, but…

– Here’s a Toronto club that’s doing better.

– His streak of consecutive games with at least one point ends at 54.

– Nice compliment for Scotty Bowman.

– The Wildcats are strong.

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Series highlights: Connor Hellebuyck scores five more playoff goals

Yesterday, the NHL featured two games.

The Stars hosted the Jets for the first time, and in the evening, the Panthers were looking to even the series against the Leafs.

Here are the results:

Connor Hellebuyck allows another five goals in a playoff game

Prior to yesterday afternoon’s game, Connor Hellebuyck had a goals-against average above five in his last six playoff games away from home.

Yesterday, with his performance, he lowered that average… But he still allowed five goals. Stars win 5-2.

The American allowed five goals on 26 shots. On the winning goal, he was very generous.

Alexandrer Petrovic appeared to have directed the puck into the net with his skate, but after review, it was determined that it was Hellebuyck who deflected it into his net.

Yikes.

Mikko Rantanen continued his fine form. He collected three points, including a goal.

This is his fifth three-point game in his last six matches.

Mason Marchment was also in the news, but for all the wrong reasons. He swung a stick at an official.

Suspension or fine to come?

Either way, Dallas leads the series 2-1.

The next game will be played there, tomorrow, at 8pm.

Florida levels series against Leafs

In the last game between the Panthers and the Leafs, Florida won in overtime.

Toronto led the game 3-1. That’s where this series really turned around, because instead of being 3-0, Toronto was leading two games to one.

And yesterday, the Panthers, who weren’t facing elimination, won and thus leveled the series at two. 2-0 victory.

Carter Verhaeghe broke the ice.

And Sam Bennett scored the insurance goal later.

What patience here!

Otherwise, Sergei Bobrovsky was the hero of the match.

He pulled off a 23-save shutout.

Both teams thought they were in Les Boys.

The dirty shots were distributed all game long.

Oliver Ekman-Larsson slyly hit Evan Rodrigues.

Mitchell Marner then fell victim to Dmitry Kulikov.

And at the end of the game, Max Domi manhandled Aleksander Barkov.

It’s all set for game number five, to be played the day after tomorrow in Toronto (7pm).

Extension

– Good.

– Crazy.

– Guess who’s leading the charge.

(Credit: NHL.com)

– Two series continue tonight.

(Credit: NHL.com )
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Nazem Kadri criticizes the Avalanche in the Mikko Rantanen case

Mikko Rantanen is on fire!

He just had another three-point performance, including a goal, in the Dallas Stars’ win over the Winnipeg Jets today.

His goal, which put the game out of reach for the Jets, was particularly spectacular.

It was his 17th point in just six games, including one in which his team was blanked.

What’s more, Rantanen’s 18 points and nine goals since the start of the playoffs rank him first in the NHL in both categories.

If the Stars go all the way and win the Stanley Cup, the Finn might even win the Conn Smythe.

No worse for a player who many said was working well thanks to Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar!

In fact, Rantanen’s recent performances are making the Colorado Avalanche management look worse and worse.

Let’s not forget that the forward hurt his former team with eleven points in the last three games of the series, including a hat trick in the seventh and final game.

To the point where some players are starting to criticize the organization.

While MacKinnon is more vocal in his criticism of the organization, as my colleague Raphael Simard told us today, former Avalanche player Nazem Kadri is more direct in his comments.

“Rule number one: You always keep the dawgs … #96”

Clearly an arrow sent to his former employers.

However, in an ideal world, I’m sure Colorado management would have loved to have been able to keep the Finnish forward, but this is the reality of the salary cap.

A reality Kadri is familiar with, having had to leave the Avalanche in 2022 for similar reasons.

On the other hand, when general manager Chris MacFarland traded his star player, what he didn’t anticipate was that Rantanen would be traded a second time to a division rival.

Let alone that this decision would come back to haunt them a few months later when this same player would be one of the main culprits in the Avalanche’s elimination from the first round of the playoffs.

And with an eight-year, $96 million contract with the Stars, Rantanen could be hurting his former club for years to come.

Overtime

– Lions take series lead.

– An interesting point of view.

– Frost victory.

– What a goal!

– Historic first half for the Pacers.

– Second circuit of the evening!

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The Canadiens could draft a defenseman with a similar style to Arber Xhekaj

The Canadiens will draft 16th and 17th in the next NHL Amateur Draft.

As my colleague Raphael Simard just explained, historically, the Habs haven’t been lucky with their 16th and 17th picks.

However, there are certain advantages to picking one prospect after the other, such as being able to choose two prospects who have already played together and know each other.

Not to mention, of course, the possibility of a trade with these two picks.

And if the Canadiens decide to keep these picks, which players might the team be interested in?

According to Tankathon’s list, the Habs could set their sights on two defensemen: Logan Hensler and Kashawn Aitcheson.

(Credit: )

Hensler is a right-handed defenseman who just played his rookie year with the University of Wisconsin. In his rookie year, he scored 12 points, including two goals, in 32 games.

The American prospect is a 6′ 2″, 192 lbs mobile defenseman with a good shot capable of creating offense while being solid in his zone. He’s a reliable guy in both zones and possibly a nice project for the Habs.

Aitcheson is a left-handed defenseman with the Barrie Colts of the OHL. In his third season in junior, he has 59 points, including 26 goals in 64 games.

But it’s mainly for his rugged play that the 6′ 1″, 196 lbs defenseman stands out; he likes to impose himself physically, he hits hard and he can throw the gloves.

In fact, he’s earned 214 penalty minutes over the past two seasons.

He’s a lot like Arber Xhekaj, a little less rugged, but more talented.

What’s more, with his future in Montreal already uncertain, could drafting a player with a similar style mark the end of the Sheriff with the Habs?

Aitcheson would be an interesting choice for a team like the Canadiens looking for toughness.

Will the organization want to add two defensemen to an already well-stocked bank of prospects on the blue line?

Many believe that you can never have too many good young defensemen in an organization, and that they’re always a good bargaining chip.

Of course, this is just speculation, and there are always plenty of surprises in the draft.

Not to mention that many fans would love to see the Canadiens select Québécois Justin Carbonneau if he’s still available. Tankathon puts him at #15

In short, we’ll have the answer on June 27.

Overtime

– Dallas ahead 2-1.

– Mikko Rantanen is on a mission

– For those who were wondering!

– Fourth overtime for Victory!

– Already a second congeement in the MLB.

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Drafting 16th and 17th has rarely been convincing for the Canadiens

Unless the Canadiens trade their picks, which is a strong possibility, Kent Hughes and his group will be talking 16th and 17th at the next draft.

The auction will be decentralized and will take place in Los Angeles on June 27 and 28.

Some good players could be available for the Habs, but few believe that management will keep their picks. After all, the club needs a number-two center, and two back-to-back mid-draft picks are a bargain.

(Credit: Tankathon )

If Montreal could get their hands on a Justin Carbonneau at No. 16, I think they’d jump at the chance, anyway.

But hey. History shows that drafting at these two ranks has not been fruitful for the club. Apart from Kaiden Guhle (16th) in 2020, that’s nothing to sneeze at.

Nathan Beaulieu and Andrew Cassels have had successful careers, but it wasn’t in Montreal that they enjoyed their best years.

In Beaulieu’s case, he played 225 games in the metropolis and 246 elsewhere. As for Cassels, he collected 732 career points, only 27 of them in Montreal.

The others drafted 16th and 17th: Marcel Hossa, Eric Chouinard, Brent Bilodeau, Tom Chorske and Alfie Turcotte. Let’s hope that the players who will be selected (if Montreal keeps its picks) this year will have a better impact with the team than the guys mentioned above…

Even if history doesn’t help the Montrealers’ cause, good players at these ranks are always available. There was Jakob Chychrun (2016), Vladimir Tarasenko (2010), Mathew Barzal and Kyle Connor (2015).

Overtime

– The Mikko of Dallas.

– Still.

– Big game tonight.

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Nathan MacKinnon on Mikko Rantanen: “Of course I’d like him to be part of the team again”

Earlier this year, the GM of the Colorado Avalanche made a huge deal by sending Mikko Rantanen to Carolina.

With this transaction, he cancelled out the possibility of losing the big Finn for absolutely nothing. And by sending him East, Chris MacFarland knew he’d only face him twice a season from now on, and possibly in the Stanley Cup Final.

He never thought he’d face him in the first round. But that’s exactly what happened, and Rantanen haunted his former team. In the last three games of the series, he collected 10 points, including a hat trick in game seven.

If Rantanen hadn’t switched teams, the Avalanche would probably be in the next round right now… Not the Stars.

In any case, Nathan MacKinnon told a Finnish journalist on the sidelines of the World Championship that he wished he was still on the team. MacKinnon weighed his words carefully so as not to send his boss, Jack Drury and Martin Necas under the bus, but it’s pretty clear that Mack misses his friend.

It’s hard to say. I can’t really give an answer. I think both sides… I don’t know… Obviously, I’d like him to be part of the team, but he’s not. So I don’t really know what to say. – Nathan MacKinnon

While Rantanen is still alive and kicking with Dallas, the Avalanche’s superstar is off to Europe with Canada to take part in the World Championship.

Colorado’s 29, who won’t be wearing that number with Canada because of Marc-André Fleury, insists he still has hockey in the tank this year.

I just wanted to keep playing. It’s been a tough fall. Obviously, we wanted to win the Stanley Cup this year. – Nathan MacKinnon

The current playoff format has really held Jared Bednar’s team back. Because, personally, I would have seen the two clubs face off in the Western finals… not in the first round.

Overtime

– Finally.

– Interesting read on the Jackets’ prospect.

– The CFL season is approaching.

– The Caps are really powered by youth right now.

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CDM: Marc-André Fleury didn’t look like a guy who had to retire

As we all know, Marc-André Fleury played his last NHL season this year.

However, he had the opportunity to suit up for one last time with Canada in preparation for the World Championship.

Sunday was Fleury’s first game at the Worlds, as Canada took on Latvia.

Although Fleury is now 40 years old, he didn’t look like a goalkeeper who had to retire.

He was named Player of the Match in a convincing 7-1 victory.

Although he wasn’t fully tested against the Latvians, he still made some spectacular saves.

He clearly looked like he was enjoying representing his country this morning.

Flower looked like Dominik Hasek on a few occasions and certainly helped Canada to a convincing win.

Here are a few of his saves:

Keep in mind that Fleury was facing Latvia, who are (really) not a force in this international tournament.

But the facts remain the same: Fleury still has some excellent hockey in his belly and doesn’t look like a goalie who needs to retire.

Playing with his good friend Sidney Crosby again must have reinvigorated him too. It’s always nice to catch up with old friends.

Incidentally, this morning the NHL unveiled its quarter-century team, and Fleury is one of six goalkeepers chosen.

The others are Carey Price, Patrick Roy, Henrik Lundqvist, Roberto Luongo and Martin Brodeur.

Fleury could very well be chosen early for induction into the Hockey Hall of Fame, possibly as soon as he is eligible.

After all, he has won three Stanley Cups and played nearly 170 career playoff games, as well as winning the Vézina and the William M. Jennings in 2021.

Is there any chance, however slim, that Fleury will return to play one last NHL season? We can’t count on it, but we can always dream.

Overtime

– Stuart Skinner should keep the net for game #4.

– Kashawn Aitcheson seems to be an improved version of Arber Xhekaj and could very well be available to the Habs if they keep their picks 16 and 17.

– FC Barcelona got the better of Real Madrid in the El Classico match.

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Carey Price named to NHL Quarter Century Team

Over the course of the season, each of the NHL teams unveiled their 2000s Quarter Century Team.

In the case of the Canadiens, Nick Suzuki and Brendan Gallagher, who are still active with the club, were named to the second team.

We could technically insert Carey Price’s name, since his contract is still in force, as he was on the first team.

On the other hand, Carey Price has just received another honor of even greater magnitude.

On Mother’s Day Sunday, Price was named to the NHL’s All-Quarter Century Team. A very nice honor for #31.

For the announcement of this team of the last 25 years, the principle was somewhat different.

It was announced in a few parts, according to the players who began their careers in different decades.

First, the players who began their careers before the 2000s, then those who began their careers between 2000 and 2010, those who began after 2010 and finally, the goalkeepers who were unveiled this morning.

Here are the 25 players who made up this prestigious team:

Definitely some fine folks here.

All these players have left their mark on the NHL over the last 25 years for different reasons.

Carey Price has long been regarded as one of the best, if not the best, goaltender in the league, especially when he was at his peak.

He mainly impressed Habs fans with his brilliance in front of the net, despite the fact that he never had a team aspiring to top honors.

To think he’s only had Alex Kovalev as a player to break the point-per-game barrier throughout his career… in his first season.

That’s what sets him apart from the other goaltenders named to the NHL’s Quarter Century Team (Roberto Luongo, Martin Brodeur, Henrik Lundqvist, Patrick Roy and Marc-André Fleury).

What’s more, apart from Fleury, who has just played his final NHL season, all the other goalkeepers are currently in the Hall of Fame.

This raises the question of whether Price deserves a place in the Hall of Fame, given that all the other goalkeepers nominated are (except Fleury) and that Price had a worse team in front of him than any of the others.

Overtime

– There’s always hope, even if the chances of him returning are almost nil, if not completely nil.

– After a slow start against Latvia, Canada quickly took the lead with back-to-back goals.

– Young Celebrini scored his first goal of the tournament to make it 6-1. Once the Canadiens get going, it’s hard to stop them.

– Marc-André Fleury is having fun in this game. On a few occasions, he made Dominik Hasek-style saves.

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Auston Matthews has just three goals in his last 19 playoff games

For a rare occasion in recent years, the Toronto Maple Leafs are in the second round of the Stanley Cup playoffs.

Even rarer than that, they are 2-1 ahead in their second-round series against the Florida Panthers.

The Maple Leafs are in a good playoff position at the moment, which is quite surprising considering their history.

The Leafs’ big guns are performing and leading the team to its best playoff finish in a long time.

However, even if the Leafs’ big guns all have more than one point per game (William Nylander: 15 points, Mitch Marner: 12 points and Auston Matthews: 10 points) with the exception of John Tavares, who has seven points in nine games, one of the four remains rather disappointing.

I’m talking about Leafs captain Auston Matthews.

Why is he disappointing, despite his fine production?

Well, because he’s only scored two goals in nine games, which is far too few for a guy who’s considered one of, if not the NHL’s best goal scorer.

And when you analyze Matthews’ playoff goals, you realize that it’s really a trend: the Leafs’ captain barely scores in the playoffs, and more importantly, he’s nowhere near the pace he maintains in the regular season.

Matthews has just three goals in his last 19 playoff games.

That’s what Steve Simmons noted in his most recent article, when he explained that it takes a lot more from Matthews in the playoffs, especially when compared to other NHL superstars.

At this point in his career, Matthews is averaging 52 goals per 82 games per season.

But in the playoffs, if we take Matthews’ last 19 games, he would average 13 goals over a full season.

That’s really not enough, when a scorer like him should find a way to score either as much in the season as in the playoffs, or even more in the playoffs, when that’s when the best need to take their game up a notch.

If we take Nathan MacKinnon as an example, since the start of his career, he’s averaged 34 goals per season, but in the playoffs, he’s averaging 47 goals per 82 games.

It’s impressive how the Colorado Avalanche forward raises his game, even more so in the playoffs.

For all these reasons, Auston Matthews simply cannot be considered in the same category as the Draisaitls, McDavids, MacKinnons and Crosbys of this world.

He’ll have to perform in the playoffs, and that starts now with the Leafs’ series against the Florida Panthers, in which Matthews has yet to score once in three games.

Overtime

– Berube is doing a great job with the Leafs.

– Canada quickly creates a tie.

– MacKinnon and Horvat continue to shine at the World Championship.

– To watch tonight.

– Incredible. He’s only 17 years old.