Author: Dose

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All signs point to Mike Sullivan becoming Rangers head coach

When Mike Sullivan and the Penguins announced that the coach wouldn’t be back next year, he immediately became the big name on the market. He had been very successful in Pittsburgh, after all, and is a respected coach.

We knew he was the target of many clubs… and that he would probably be the first domino to fall.

And clearly, we suspected the Rangers would be in the running. The club has just had a difficult year, and with Peter Laviolette fired, going after a big name like Sullivan made sense.

Especially as the club has the means to match its ambitions…

And according to Vince Z. Mercogliano, who covers the Rangers for USA Today, all indications are that Sullivan will indeed become the team’s next coach. It hasn’t been confirmed yet… but everything’s pointing in that direction.

Obviously, the link between Sullivan and the Rangers is easy to make. We know that other clubs coveted him (including the Bruins), but with the Rangers, Sullivan would be leading a team that can aspire to the playoffs as early as next season.

It’s not as obvious for a team like the Bruins to use this as a sales pitch, let’s say.

Maybe another team will manage to turn things around with a left-field offer, but right now, you’d expect the logical outcome: you’d expect the big name on the market to take the most enticing job on the market.

The pressure would be on, but Sullivan is one hell of a field hockey head. Let’s see if he’ll finally be the one to take the Rangers another step forward, if all goes according to plan.

In gusts

– Interesting.

– I think so too.

– He’ll have a chance to win some points.

– It’s true.

– Attention all interested parties.

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Points in the playoffs: surprisingly, it was the CH’s little players who led the club

The Canadiens’ season came to an end last night against the Capitals. The Montreal team put up a good fight… but had to concede defeat to a much more mature team.

The CH was, after all, the youngest team in the current series. Seeing them give the Capitals a run for their money was already a good sign.

That said, there was a lot of talk about physical play in this series. The Caps shuffled the CH, which tried to defend itself… but struggled to do so.

As a result, for the past few days, everyone in Montreal has wanted the club to bulk up. And to a certain extent, what’s happened in the last few days proves them right…

But when you look at the team’s top scorers in the playoffs, what you notice is that Lane Hutson and Cole Caufield are the only two players with more than two points.

And no, we’re not talking behemoths here: these are the two smallest players on the team.

(Credit: Screenshot/NHL.com)

It’s true that both guys shine on the power play, which helps them (the game is less physical than it is 5-on-5, we agree), but in a series where the narrative has been that the Capitals have shuffled the Habs around too much (which is true), it’s still the team’s two smallest players who have blackened the scoresheet most frequently.

And that’s a more nuanced way of looking at it: the CH does need to get bigger… but it shouldn’t go to extremes either. Smaller players are still capable of making a difference, even in a series that’s churning like crazy.

It’s going to be a big summer for Kent Hughes and Jeff Gorton, who will have to try and learn from what they’ve seen from their young group over the last few weeks. But there’s a fine line to be drawn here: just because the game gets more physical in the playoffs doesn’t mean that guys like Hutson and Caufield can’t help the club win games, even if they need more physical guys to make the job easier.

Now it’s up to management to find that balance… and it’s going to be a very interesting summer for the CH.

In gossip

– David Savard, a real good guy.

– Of note.

– Nice read on the Avalanche.

– I can’t wait to see if any CH players go… but I’d be surprised.

– News from Quebec’s Abraham Toro.

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Head coach: Frank Seravalli names Dominique Ducharme one of the candidates to watch

At the moment, there are eight vacant head coaching positions in the NHL. The Ducks, Bruins, Blackhawks, Rangers, Flyers, Penguins, Kraken and Canucks are all looking for someone new to lead the club… and we know there are other positions to watch.

Tampa Bay, in particular, is the talk of the town.

So, with so many positions to fill, there are plenty of names floating around the league. And to round up the candidates to watch, Frank Seravalli (Daily Faceoff) has compiled a list of 22 names who could land a head coaching job.

Obviously, Mike Sullivan and Rick Tocchet are on it, as are other experienced coaches. Pascal Vincent’s name is also on the list, as is that of Martin St-Louis’ assistant, Gerard Gallant.

And yet, among the list is another well-known name in Montreal: Dominique Ducharme. Because yes, there’s a real chance of him becoming head coach again in the Bettman circuit.

We know that Ducharme was head coach of the CH for… less than a year. And during that year, he replaced Claude Julien, took the CH to the Stanley Cup Final, had a rough start to the season and lost his job due to a regime change in town.

Oh yes, and he did all this against the backdrop of a pandemic. Winning conditions, as they say… or not.

That said, for the past two years, Ducharme has been working as an assistant with the Golden Knights. We know he hopes to eventually become a team head coach again, and with so many open positions at the moment, it’s safe to assume he has a chance.

He’s not the most talked-about candidate… but don’t be surprised if his name comes up. After all, a coach who led his team to the final (when they should never have been there in the first place), that’s enough to interest a team.

In brief

– Speaking of coaches.

– Ouch… but at least he’ll be ready to face the Capitals.

See this post on Instagram

A publication shared by BarDown (@bardown)

– Juraj Slafkovský’s father thinks the CH’s future is bright.

– Jason Robertson nears a return.

– Can you believe it?

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No, Ivan Demidov can’t play for the Rocket in the playoffs

In the last month, Ivan Demidov made his way to Montreal. The man expected to play only next season finally arrived sooner than expected… and ended up playing regular-season and playoff games with the CH in 2024-25.

For the Tricolore and its fans, this was an unexpected gift.

And with the CH’s season now over, some wondered if Demidov would be able to join the Rocket in the playoff race… and to that question, the answer is no. It’s the same situation as Lane Hutson last year, as Renaud Lavoie points out.

By signing with the CH, Demidov burned the first year of his entry-level contract. In the end, he’ll have done so for just seven short games… and that means he’ll get a pay raise in 2027-28 rather than 2028-29.

For the Tricolore, therefore, the young Russian will save money for a shorter period of time, which could complicate the club’s life in 2027-28 (when the window should be much more open)… but in the end, it will all have been worth it.

Yes, the Habs didn’t optimize Demidov’s small salary. That said, by bringing him on board this year, it gave him a taste of NHL field hockey, and more importantly, playoff field hockey. And what we saw was that, from game to game, the kid seemed more and more at ease.

Sure, he only scored two points in five games against the Capitals… but we saw him try (and succeed) at more and more things as the series progressed.

What we’ve seen in recent weeks is that Demidov has obvious flashes on the ice. And now that he’s had a taste of the most grueling style of play he can experience in the NHL (a series against an extremely physical club), the kid has everything he needs to adjust and prepare to shine on the Bettman circuit.

And while it would have been cool to see him play playoff games in Laval, he’s already played playoff field hockey in the KHL and NHL this season. It’s not the end of the world if he doesn’t play in Laval to finish the year, we agree.

In gusto

– Mark Scheifele will not play in Game #6 against the Blues.

– Well done.

– I love it!

– Very cool, this.

– The NHLPA celebrates David Savard’s career.

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The Capitals’ plan was to hit the Habs (and the CH wasn’t ready)

The Canadiens have learned a lot in the last few days.

Seeing Ivan Demidov come to town, alongside all the youngsters who have spent the year in Montreal, has allowed the group to progress and learn what it takes to play in the playoffs.

As Chris Pronger says, the future is bright in Montreal.

But let’s not forget why the CH lost. And one of the reasons for the Habs’ defeat is that the club really got shaken up during the playoffs.

The team is too small, and it shows. Yesterday, in game #5, the CH wasn’t really in the game.

Of course, it would have helped if Arber Xhekaj had been able to be himself in the games he played. But you know as well as I do that it’s also the heart of the line-up that should be bigger.

Because in Washington, the club is as big as a playoff team, and when the bosses decided the club was going to be tough, there wasn’t much the CH could do to counter the Caps. And that’s even though the Flanelle didn’t look bad overall during the series…

It’s clear, then, that the Habs players need to take notes… but so do the executives.

It’s not the first time we’ve said it, but Jeff Gorton needs to learn from his years in New York, where he notably lost his job after on-ice incidents.

And ironically, it was against Tom Wilson and the Capitals that Gorton saw his club exposed to the fact that it takes more toughness to play when it counts.

The second center the club needs to bring in this summer will have to be a heavyweight.

in a row

– Of note.

– Interesting news.

– The season review will take place tomorrow.

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Arber Xhekaj, the carrot-eating pony: Maxim Lapierre would have liked to see him free

The Canadiens have a fine product on their hands: Arber Xhekaj. He’s a really tough defenseman who can make his teammates grow a few inches on the ice.

But it’s not always easy for him with the Habs.

After all, he’s quite popular with the fans, but he’s not the most reliable defensively. And sometimes, seeing a defender struggle and spend many minutes in the dungeon isn’t ideal.

As a result, he finished the regular season on the sidelines and started the playoffs in the stands. He eventually replaced Jayden Struble for the last three games of the series against Washington.

But he didn’t make much of an impact.

And this situation angers Maxim Lapierre, who spoke about it during the second intermission of yesterday’s game. It was 3-0 then, and the CH needed an electroshock – which is something the Sheriff can provide.

But clearly, he feels Xhekaj is handcuffed and unnatural. He likened him to a racehorse that’s been slowed down to become a pony that does nothing but eat carrots.

And clearly, Antoine Roussel didn’t seem to think Lapierre was wrong.

Of course, if you ask Xhekaj to be a defenseman who only plays defensively, you can’t take advantage of his full potential. Xhekaj has to be “hard to play against” to make a difference.

Could putting him on the fourth line next year be the answer?

This summer, the Habs will have to decide whether they want to use him to his full potential or not. After all, if #72 continues to be used the way he is right now, it won’t get the club anywhere.

in a row

– To watch in Ontario.

– Who will win?

– No suspension related to the Jets v. Blues game.

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Islanders to meet Marc Bergevin

The Islanders are looking for a GM and possibly a president of field hockey operations.

Several names have circulated and will continue to do so. But now, Islanders alumnus Chris Botta has come forward with a name that the Islanders owners will be meeting with.

According to Botta, who has also worked in the media, Marc Bergevin will be considered for the Islanders’ management team.

This isn’t Bergevin’s first interview with the Kings since leaving the Habs. But each time, he’s been preferred to someone else.

Will this be the right time for the man who has been little in the public eye since his dismissal in 2021?

Perhaps seeing the CH, with several of its players, in the playoffs gives him momentum. After all, he’s made some good moves with the Montreal Canadiens in nearly 10 years with the club.

Taking the Habs to the Stanley Cup Final must open doors elsewhere in the league, right?

Remember that in recent weeks, the names of Bergevin and his friend Pat Brisson have been circulating with the Islanders. Would Brisson consider the opportunity, if it arose?

Who knows.

Recall that the Islanders employ Alex Romanov, whom Marc Bergevin likes from his years in Montreal. But in general, this isn’t a team with a good NHL or affiliate pool. Lou Lamoriello didn’t necessarily leave the club in great shape.

Ah, one last thing: if Patrick Roy wants to keep his head coaching job, he’d better hope Bergevin doesn’t get the job.

in a row

– Coming up.

– Big field hockey on the menu tonight.

– What do you think?

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Nick Suzuki: David Savard will “probably always be around the club”

David Savard’s field hockey career is officially over.

The veteran defenseman, who announced his retirement at the end of the regular season, has received tributes from just about everyone after his fine 14-year NHL career.

And deservedly so.

But then, of course, you have to wonder what’s next for the Quebecer. Will he take time for his family? Will he start working in field hockey?

We’ll see in due course. But if he does work in field hockey, expect it to be with the Habs, of course. His family is here, after all.

On this subject, Renaud Lavoie (TVA Sports) asked Nick Suzuki about the club’s #58. And to hear the captain tell it, don’t expect Savard to drop out of field hockey altogether.

Suzuki, who believes the CH will be back with a vengeance in 2025-2026, told the TVA Sports reporter that Savard will “probably still be around the club” for the foreseeable future.

Everyone yesterday wanted to play to prolong the Quebecer’s career.

We obviously knew that the player was respected in the dressing room, but the wave of tributes to him since last night shows just how much the NHL in general has recognized his contribution.

If he wants to work for the CH one day, I’d be surprised if the Habs turned him down. Wouldn’t it be worse to see him in player development?

But hey. Regardless of whether he works for the CH or not, the doors to the dressing room will never really be closed to him.

in gossip

– Yes.

– Agreed.

– Coming up.

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Brendan Gallagher played with a broken side

Everyone plays injured in the playoffs. That’s the way it’s supposed to be.

And now that the Habs are eliminated, tongues will be wagging and we’ll learn a little more about some of the players who gave their all for the Flannel this year.

Eric Engels posted a tweet yesterday about some of the guys’ injuries. And the image you’re looking at is Alexandre Carrier’s foot, which was injured during game #4.

It’s important to know that guys don’t use injuries as an excuse, but there’s no point in hiding what happened anymore. After all, Tom Wilson won’t be coming to tackle them at home, you know.

We know that Carrier, who has repeatedly said that everyone is injured (we imagine David Savard is particularly banged up this morning) these days, had more than just his foot injury. Neck, no doubt?

Josh Anderson had “several different injuries”.

And Brendan Gallagher? The club’s little warrior was playing with a fractured side recently. That’s a pretty intense injury.

It’s worth noting that the four players I’ve just mentioned took Tuesday off from training. But yesterday, they were all at their posts.

We understand that the field hockey culture is different. You have to be tough to play in the NHL, and the culture of complaining isn’t exactly like soccer or basketball, either.

Even Tom Wilson recognized that Carrier was tough. After all, even if everyone recognizes that his hit on the Quebecer changed the series, he recognized the courage of the defenseman, who returned to the game last night.

Because that’s what the playoffs are all about.

in full

– Read more.

– Kyle Okposo now works for the Players’ Association.

– Coming up.

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Cayden Primeau coming for Jacob Fowler’s job

The Canadiens’ season is over.

The club has a travel day today, and we can expect the players to empty their lockers tomorrow (meeting with management and the media).

From there, many will head home. But who will still be playing this season?

One has to wonder if any of the players will be heading for the World Championship. Lane Hutson, Cole Caufield, Nick Suzuki, Kaiden Guhle, Mike Matheson, Juraj Slafkovsky, Joel Armia and Patrik Laine are candidates.

But others will be heading for Laval. And I’m not talking about Ivan Demidov.

The three most likely candidates to go and play with the Rocket are Oliver Kapanen, Jakub Dobes and Cayden Primeau. All three are eligible, and the CH should take advantage.

And it’s the goaltending tip that interests us most. After all, even if we send Luke Cavallin back to Trois-Rivières and try to account for Carey Price ‘s injury Samuel Montembeault Connor Hughes, there’s still a lot to do down there in front of the net.

In addition to Dobes and Primeau, who played down low during the season, the Rocket are currently counting on Jacob Fowler, a top CH prospect.

With Samuel Montembeault injured and Cayden Primeau recalled, Fowler had the net yesterday. And in his first playoff game in the pros, he went out and won.

But the question for the Rocket, who are two wins away from advancing to the next round, is whether Pascal Vincent will want to give the net back to Cayden Primeau, who has been historically good since Christmas for the club-school.

In Anthony Marcotte’s eyes, the answer is yes. He’s said it many times (even before Game #1): the net belongs to Primeau.

Pascal Vincent is in a position where he can potentially, if Dobes is really an option, send three excellent goalies in front of the net. There’s potentially no wrong answer here.

We’ll see what happens.

But you’d understand why he’d give Primeau, who took him to the playoffs, the chance to take over his net… without giving him all the leeway in the world if things go wrong.

i expect Primeau to be the #1 goalie, but I don’t think we’ve seen the last of Fowler in the playoffs this season.

in gossip

– Will the 2007 scenario be repeated?

– Nice moment yesterday.

– Finally.