Author: Dose

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Patrik Laine on the 2nd line and the first power play of Finland

Patrik Laine will represent Finland at the Four Nations Tournament.

And let’s say that the Finnish management believes in him based on where he is placed in the lineup.

The Canadiens player will start the competition on the second line of his team, alongside Sebastian Aho and Roope Hintz.

Artturi Lehkonen, Aleksander Barkov, and Mikko Rantanen complete the first Finnish unit.

Joel Armia, on the other hand, is placed on the third line:

We will see how Laine performs on the second line.

It’s better for him to perform well, for example, because we know how difficult it has been for him in Montreal for the past three weeks…

Will the Finnish management be patient in his case? That also remains to be seen.

However, let’s remember that Laine and Aho had a lot of success together at the World Junior Championship. Maybe they will find the chemistry that allowed them to be so dominant!

Laine will also have the opportunity to play on the first power play unit of Finland.

There is a nice firepower on the power play:

Barkov, who is also on Finland’s first power play, spent some time with Laine at the end of practice to work on little things.

We saw the Panthers’ captain making passes to Laine for him to practice his one-timers:

Let’s note that Joel Armia’s name is not found on either power play unit.

But in the context of knowing that he excels on the penalty kill, I really feel that he will have an important role on the PK.

After all, Armia’s puck protection skills mean he has everything he needs to help a team in a situation like that.

In Brief

– It’s going to be tough.

– 👀

– Cheeeeeeeese!

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Jordan Binnington will be in front of the net for Canada tomorrow

The wait is finally over!

Tomorrow evening, Canada will play its first match of the Four Nations Tournament.

Sweden will be on the menu in a match that will be held in Montreal, at the Bell Centre.

We have been waiting to learn the identity of the starting goalie for Canada, and Jon Cooper – unlike other coaches – has not decided to keep it a secret.

It’s Jordan Binnington who will be starting:

This means that Samuel Montembeault will have to wait before having the chance to prove himself… But he could be waiting for a long time as well.

Monty – who has been having his share of difficulties since the start of the new year – may not get any playing time during the tournament since the two other goalies ahead of him are solid.

Unless Binnington or Hill get injured…

That said, I am curious to see what Canada’s plan will be in goal. Will they want to stick with Binnington for the whole tournament if he has a good start tomorrow?

We know he has experience in goal because he has already won the Stanley Cup. He can handle the pressure… And the same goes for Hill, who lifted the big trophy with the Golden Knights in the spring of 2023.

From what Don Sweeney has said, Binnington and Hill definitely have an edge over Monty… whom he qualifies as a “goalie on the rise”:

Even if he doesn’t play, this is still a great experience for Montembeault because he has the opportunity to be around the guys and face shots from the best players in the world during practice.

So it’s not a wasted week… Even though we can agree it would be cool to see him in goal for Team Canada.

Overtime

Let’s note that the Swedes seem ready to face Canada tomorrow night.

Rasmus Dahlin has been quite clear: there will be no friends on the ice at the Bell Centre…

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SKA: Demidov started today’s game on the 4th line (and he earned a point)

It is known that things have been going well for Ivan Demidov recently.

It is also known that SKA tends to have more success when used properly by its coach.

However, this did not stop Roman Rotenberg from starting Demidov on the 4th line of his team today.

Rotenberg is hard to follow.

The worst part is that his strategy did not work against Dinamo Minsk…

The Saint Petersburg team lost by a score of 3-1. And in the comments of the publication above, we can see that some are not happy with Demidov’s usage:

(Credit: Twitter Screenshot)

Roman Rotenberg decided to start using Demidov properly when SKA was down 3-0, but the damage was already done.

The Canadiens prospect even finished the game with a total ice time of 21:07 after spending 5 minutes and 42 seconds on the ice in the first period…

At least, Roman Rotenberg understands that he needs to trust his young player when he needs a goal.

The Canadiens prospect managed to get his name on the scoresheet by earning an assist on his team’s only goal:

At 19 years old, Demidov is at the top of the scoring leaders on his team.

He has now recorded 45 points (19 goals) in 53 games this season.

That said, there is no player of that caliber who should start a game on the 4th line… And that is why Roman Rotenberg’s decision is drawing attention right now.

Overtime

Finally, it’s worth noting that Demidov has managed to record a point in a 4th consecutive game.

He is currently on a nice streak, to put it another way.

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MVP of the Beanpot: Cole Hutson has been dominating since the Junior World Championship

Cole Hutson and Boston University had an important game scheduled last night in the final of the famous Beanpot Tournament.

They faced Jacob Fowler and Boston College for the occasion.

Lane, Cole’s older brother who played for BU in recent years, was there to cheer him on. The Canadiens’ defenseman went to motivate his former teammates in the locker room before the game and he had fun during the match:

Cole notably helped his team win 4-1 by scoring BU’s second goal.

He outsmarted the goalie with a wrist shot and celebrated with a lot of emotion:

Lane’s little brother had an outstanding game, being one of the most used players by his coach.

His performance earned him the Beanpot MVP title as he scored five points (three goals) in two games.

He didn’t steal it:

Let’s just say everything has been going smoothly for Cole Hutson for the past month and a half.

Recall that he finished the World Junior Championship as the tournament’s top scorer, helped the United States win gold, and was named to the tournament’s first all-star team…

And since returning to Boston University, the defenseman has also collected 14 points in his last 10 games. Not bad!

After BU’s victory, Lane Hutson quickly went to congratulate his little brother on the bench, who was holding the MVP trophy.

This led to some great images:

It’s certain that the Washington Capitals management is rubbing their hands right now.

The Caps successfully selected Hutson in the 2nd round of the last draft (43rd pick) because there were still doubts about his size and build… But as Lane has shown, Cole is proving that it doesn’t mean anything.

He could become a really good offensive defenseman in the NHL, just like his brother!

In brief

– The Tkachuk brothers are excited.

– The photo is stunning.

– Oh.

– Why not?

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Confrontation of the four nations: Montreal gains points

And then? Are you joining in on the wave of the Four Nations Confrontation?

Right now, we’re right in the thick of it. And it’s great to see that it’s starting in Montreal, as all eyes in the hockey world are currently focused on the Quebec metropolis.

What’s nice is that I feel Montreal is gaining points. Thank goodness the event didn’t slip into the hands of Toronto…

For the moment, not only are people not complaining, but you can also feel that many players are really happy to be part of such an adventure in Montreal.

Once they experience the atmosphere of the games, it will be even better.

Charlie McAvoy, like many American players yesterday, spoke of “hockey paradise” when referring to the tournament. But clearly, by the nature of things, he is also talking about Montreal.

The Canadiens’ facilities (in Brossard and Montreal) are at the heart of the experience, after all.

It’s fun for the Canadiens too.

It’s also good to see that Sidney Crosby, a hockey legend, is taking the opportunity while in Quebec to pay tribute to his years in the QMJHL, wearing the colors of the Rimouski Oceanic.

What I’m trying to say is that right now everything is going well, and no one is coming out publicly to criticize how things are unfolding lately.

Maybe that will change during the national anthems… but still.

When we look at it, it’s nice to see that Montreal looks good. With an emerging Montreal Canadiens and some salary space, perhaps some players will keep fond memories of their experience.

Be careful: I’m not saying a player would say no to the Panthers this summer at the expense of the Habs just because the tournament was fun. But every little point gained to counteract the negatives of Montreal for an NHL player, that counts. Doesn’t it?

In brief

– Speaking of the tournament.

– Nice signing for the team… but why is he going there?

– Ouch.

– Worth reading.

– Americans: nothing confirmed in goal.

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The advice from Alex Ovechkin to Ivan Demidov to become a great player

Ivan Demidov has all the tools to become a great player. We know that.

Everything indicates that he will be able to translate his performances to the NHL. But despite everything, Alex Ovechkin, who also arrived in North America with high expectations, has a piece of advice for him.

As Sergei Demidov (RG media) reported following an interview with the Capitals player, the advice that Ovechkin wants to give to Demidov is as follows: work hard and everything will be fine.

First of all, it is ironic to note that it is Ovechkin who gives this advice. After all, he hasn’t exactly had a Sidney Crosby work ethic for the past 20 years… even if he seems to have understood some things recently.

At the same time, maybe that makes him the best guy to give that advice. #DoWhatISayNotWhatIDo

What is encouraging is that Demidov, from what we understand, has a good work ethic. The Canadiens prospect has seen Scott Wheeler praise the way he works on and off the ice.

So clearly, if we follow the logic of the best Russian player in history, everything will be fine for Demidov.

Let’s note that he advised Demidov and Matvei Michkov not to be too show off, meaning not to be extravagant on the ice. He thinks Michkov might be a bit too much.

Here’s what he has to say on the subject.

The most important thing is not to be too extravagant. Because when you are, it can work against you in a significant way. – Alex Ovechkin

Because Demidov doesn’t seem to be the type of guy who seeks the most attention during a game, we can think that it will go well for him. And the Canadiens must think so too since Michkov was not drafted by the Habs… but Demidov was.

We will see in due time, but the excitement surrounding Demidov remains high.

In brief

– I like it.

– Well done.

– Wow. #Confidence

– Worth noting.

– That didn’t take long.

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Rumor corner: the Canadiens are keeping an eye on Noah Dobson

The Canadiens are in rumors about trading rental players, but that doesn’t mean Kent Hughes simply wants to acquire distant picks for his players.

That time is over.

In fact, everyone agrees that the Habs have a “hybrid” approach to keep the door open for adding a top-tier young talent to the organization.

And that’s why it’s interesting to note that according to Marco D’Amico from RG Media, the Habs are keeping an eye on Noah Dobson’s situation, who could leave the Islanders.

Interesting, isn’t it?

That said, I can’t say that I expect to see Dobson heading to Montreal. His potential availability is likely more related to the fact that he could be traded for a top player.

I don’t believe the Habs have what it takes to convince the Islanders. In fact, no: the Habs have what it takes… but Ivan Demidov is not available for any NHL team.

A player who could eventually be traded for Dobson is Elias Pettersson. It’s the kind of trade that could make Lou Lamoriello think twice since the talent is there.

However, do not expect to see the Canucks player leaving Vancouver this season.

Chris Johnston (The Athletic) mentioned that the chances of seeing Pettersson being seriously shopped this season are slim. If a trade does happen, it could be this summer.

Cam Robinson also thinks, according to the whispers he’s heard, that Pettersson has recently been pulled off the market.

But if we look at a player likely to depart by March 7, we need to turn our attention towards the Boston Bruins and the club captain, Brad Marchand.

As time goes on, it becomes clearer that he has a chance of leaving Boston (which seemed improbable recently) not this summer as a free agent, but as soon as March 7.

The Bruins have not yet decided on the direction to take with the matter, but management isn’t hanging up on those who are calling to inquire about the player’s availability.

James Murphy, from RG media, asks us to keep an eye on the Golden Knights (them again!) and the Avalanche. And if he really becomes available, clubs will line up to acquire him.

In Brief

– Change at the helm of Team Canada.

– Samuel Montembeault is taking advantage of his time with the Canadian team. [LP]

– The Bell Centre is ready.

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Ivan Demidov: “I heard good things about his work ethic.”

Did you know that Ivan Demidov, who is considered the best prospect of an NHL team according to Craig Button, has also earned the top spot on the podium at The Athletic?

What a surprise, huh?

Scott Wheeler, who ranked the top prospects from the 32 NHL teams, not only placed Demidov at the top of his list but also recognized the Russian as the sole prospect in the “category #1” of prospects. He is in a class of his own.

But what interests me is also learning that Demidov is doing things the right way.

Why do I say that? Because in his write-up about Demidov, Wheeler noted that he had heard good things about how the Flanelle prospect works to improve as a hockey player.

He is very talented, but I have heard good things about his work ethic on and off the ice. – Scott Wheeler on Ivan Demidov

This is what allows him to do things on the ice that no one else can do. His talent and work ethic are at another level.

More than Matvei Michkov? Who knows.

It is also worth noting that four other prospects from the Canadiens are in the top 100 of The Athletic. David Reinbacher is notably ranked 24th, meaning the CH has two prospects in the top 25.

Michael Hage (35), Logan Mailloux (58), and Joshua Roy (82) are also included.

This means that all of the CH’s first-round picks not in the NHL are there… except for Filip Mesar. Roy is the only further pick to be part of the ranking.

However, we note that goalies are not included. This explains the absence of Jacob Fowler.

in brief

– The former Chiefs player reacts to his old team’s loss.

– Canadiens’ losses: is the brand image of the CH affected? [98.5 Sports]

– To be continued.

– Indeed.

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Lane Hutson went to motivate his former teammates for the Beanpot final

Lane Hutson had time off during the NHL break for the 4 Nations Showdown. It was well-timed because his former NCAA team, the Boston University Terriers, was in action in the Beanpot final against Boston College.

The Canadiens defenseman took advantage of his break to pay a visit with his teammates.

Before the game, he entered the locker room with Macklin Celebrini to read the starting lineup and motivate the team.

Honestly, I have never seen Lane Hutson show so much emotion. The usually reserved player was jumping around and shaking hands with his former teammates.

 

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The video is hilarious, but it’s heartwarming to see that, even now that he is in the NHL, Hutson has not forgotten his former team. It’s also nice to see him visit his brother, Cole, who still plays for Boston University.

Lane’s visit probably lifted Cole’s spirits, who took the lead for the Terriers midway through the second period with an excellent wrist shot from the left circle.

Lane Hutson didn’t just limit himself to a visit to the locker room to encourage his former teammates.

During the game, he was spotted in the stands waving a large Boston University flag as the many fans in attendance cheered “Go B.U.”

The Terriers ultimately won the Beanpot final by a score of 4 to 1. Cole Hutson’s goal was the game-winner!

This meant that Canadiens prospect Jacob Fowler and Boston College had been defeated.

Fowler did not have a bad game, but his forwards did not help him at all. They only scored once while Fowler limited his opponents to three goals out of 43 shots directed at him.

We hope Fowler won’t hold a grudge against his future teammate Lane Hutson because of this defeat!

In Brief

– The development of hockey players in Quebec needs to improve.

– Joshua Roy is at a crossroads. [HabsolumentFan]

– Great visit in Quebec.

– It’s the end for Loui Eriksson.

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The value of Joel Armia could be higher than one thinks

After experiencing mediocre performances in recent seasons, Joel Armia has taken charge this year. He has become an important support player for the Canadiens and is catching eyes across the NHL.

With a contract that expires at the end of the current season and good performances, Armia could become a rental player for a contending team in the NHL.

Marco D’Amico from RG.org recently spoke with a source from the West in the NHL, and it seems that Joel Armia’s value is higher than one might expect.

It appears that several NHL teams are interested in the Finnish player’s services. Growing interest could allow Kent Hughes to seek a better return than expected for his forward.

This is great news for the Canadiens!

Armia has hit the 10-goal mark this season, but the most impressive thing is that three of his goals were scored while shorthanded. He is excellent in the defensive zone and knows how to create offense, even while a man down.

He is impressive to watch while shorthanded, and this could convince many NHL general managers to pursue him through a trade.

With a bit of competition, Kent Hughes could secure an excellent return for a player who was sent to the AHL last season! It’s funny to see teams interested in him when they could have acquired him for free last year.

What could further advantage Kent Hughes is salary retention. Joel Armia’s contract carries a cap hit of $3.4 million for the Canadiens, and competitive teams often can’t afford to add that kind of money to their cap. Hughes could increase the return by retaining part of the salary.

The return in a potential trade could even be more significant if Kent Hughes decided to trade Armia alongside his linemate Jake Evans.

Several players from the Canadiens are part of trade rumors right now, but it’s certainly important to keep an eye on Joel Armia leading up to the trade deadline on March 7.

The Finn will have the chance to prove his worth in the coming days at the Four Nations Tournament.

In Brief

– The Bell Centre is simply magical.

– Martin Lemay does not want to lose Jake Evans.

– Interesting.

– It’s an event that draws crowds.