Author: Dose

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The Canadiens bow (again) at the Bell Centre

Before thinking about the game between the Chiefs and the Eagles, the Canadiens had a big challenge.

The Tampa Bay Lightning visited the Bell Centre this afternoon.

Jayden Struble took Logan Mailloux’s place in the Montreal lineup:

It has often been the case lately… And it happened again today: the Canadiens did not start the game well.

Quickly, the Lightning showed their colors by scoring two goals in just under 10 minutes to start the game.

Nick Paul and Victor Hedman found the net:

Already, we felt that the Lightning’s two goals hurt the confidence of the Canadiens.

But one of the team’s leaders stepped up to narrow the gap to just one goal.

Brendan Gallagher fooled Andrei Vasilevskiy with a nice wrist shot:

The first period ended with the score at 2-1 in favor of the Bolts.

However, the Canadiens forgot to show up at the start of the second period… And the Lightning took advantage.

Brayden Point scored, ending Jakub Dobes’ day:

But whether it was Dobes or Montembeault… There doesn’t seem to be much difference lately.

The Lightning scored a goal to take a 4-1 lead, courtesy of Zemgus Girgensons.

It’s hard to watch the Canadiens for the past two weeks…

At least, Christian Dvorak pleased the fans who showed up by scoring his 6th goal of the season.

A nice goal, too:

The first ten minutes of the third period were not spectacular.

Brendan Gallagher decided to wake the crowd by scoring his second goal of the game.

Well, yes, it’s him again:

However, this was the last moment of glory for the Canadiens in the match.

Martin St-Louis tried everything by pulling his goalie at the end of the game… But it failed.

Anthony Cirelli scored into an empty net to allow the Lightning to win 5-3.

Another loss for the CH…

Overtime

There were two games played today in the NHL.

The Canadiens’ game, and the one between the Washington Capitals and the Utah team.

The Caps fell 5-4 in a shootout, with the highlight being Tom Wilson’s great performance (two goals and one assist).

Karel Vejmelka was perfect in the shootout to help his team win:

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Pierre LeBrun: The discussions between Evans and the CH are not progressing (and they are far from an agreement)

The Jake Evans file has been a hot topic in Montreal for quite some time.

Will he sign a new deal with the Habs, as his contract is set to expire at the end of the season? Will he be traded by Kent Hughes before the trade deadline?

These are the two questions that keep coming up lately.

What we know right now is that Kent Hughes likes his player… but he also doesn’t want to give him up.

The Canadiens’ GM wants to maximize his value – which is normal.

However, recent news suggests that the chances of him being traded seem greater than those of him staying in Montreal.

Pierre LeBrun reports that Evans and the Habs are far from an agreement and that discussions are not advancing for a new contract.

The two sides are far from an agreement, according to the informant:

It’s known that Hughes would like (at least) a second-round pick in return for his services.

But with the season he’s having and with his salary ($1.7 million), Hughes should not have too many issues getting what he wants.

After all, Evans has all the tools in his bag to help a team aspiring for the Stanley Cup.

We know his qualities.

Still, it will be important to monitor how the situation develops in the coming days and weeks.

That said, judging by Pierre LeBrun’s recent comments… one can really believe that his days in Montreal are numbered.

Extension

In 2022, the Habs traded Artturi Lehkonen (who had a similar role to Evans) to Colorado.

The former Hab has thrived with the change of scenery… As he is on pace for 40 goals this season with the Avalanche.

Here’s hoping it’s not the same story with Evans…

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Larry Brooks escapes by comparing Ivan Demidov to Vitali Kravtsov

If Ivan Demidov is the best NHL prospect in the eyes of Craig Button, it’s because he has talent.

He is among the promising young players in the Bettman circuit, and seeing him perform so well since the beginning of the season in Russia gives reason to be optimistic.

The Canadiens have a good one in their hands!

Demidov has been making headlines for the right reasons for a month and a half, but some still can’t recognize his talent.

Among them?

Larry Brooks… Who compares him to Vitali Kravtsov.

The New York Post journalist really messed up and many criticized his comment under his post on X:

Kravtsov – drafted 9th overall by the Rangers in 2018 – was destined for a great future in the National Hockey League.

However, he has never been able to establish himself as an impact player in the big league. He has played only 64 career games in the NHL…

But it’s really when you look at Kravtsov’s statistics (in the KHL) that you realize Larry Brooks is really missing the mark.

(Credit: HockeyDB)

At 18-19-20 years old, Kravtsov was not a star in the KHL.

Now he is 25 years old… And he claims a total of 45 points in 54 games this season.

Demidov, at 19, has 44 points in 52 games…

No, Larry: Ivan Demidov and Vitali Kravtsov are not even comparable!

Let’s remember that Larry Brooks is someone who does not hesitate to voice his opinions, but perhaps he should have done some research before making such a comment.

Because we can agree on one thing: the journalist does not look great at the moment.

In Brief

– Too strong!

– Obviously.

– An important milestone is coming for Pete Alonso.

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Artturi Lehkonen is on pace for 40 goals this season (over 82 games)

Artturi Lehkonen was not recognized as an ultra-offensive player when he played for the Canadiens.

He scored 18 goals in his first season in the NHL, but he was never able to repeat that feat in Montreal.

Things have been different since he arrived in Colorado, however.

He deserves the credit he merits: this season, Lehkonen – who missed a few games due to injury – has a total of 23 goals… In just 45 games.

You read that right!

He is on pace for 40 goals in a full 82-game season, and let’s agree that five years ago, no one would have predicted that in Montreal:

(Credit: HockeyDB)

The Canadiens traded him in 2022 for Justin Barron and a second-round pick.

Barron was used to acquire Alexandre Carrier (at least), but it is still fair to think this is a “bad” transaction for the Habs.

It seems like we didn’t really know his offensive potential, after all…

The one we loved to nickname “Lehky” provided strong service to the Canadiens organization, especially in a more defensive role.

The Finn was used on the bottom-6 and had an important role on the team’s penalty kill, but that pretty much ended there because he had difficulty contributing offensively.

Now that he is settled in Colorado, we see him rolling at a truly impressive pace.

He is scoring goals, contributing to the Avalanche’s offensive success, and he even has the luxury of playing on the top unit of the team alongside Martin Necas and Nathan MacKinnon.

That also helps when you’re surrounded in that way.

In a nutshell

– It will be special for the family.

– Interesting.

– Do the Stars have what it takes to go all the way this season?

– Noteworthy:

– Eagles or Chiefs tonight?

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Four nations: Drew Doughty will replace Alex Pietrangelo for Canada

Yes, it is NFL Super Bowl day today, but it is also the last day with National Hockey League games before the Four Nations Tournament break.

In fact, there are only two games on the schedule today starting at 1 PM, and then no more NHL games until Saturday, February 22.

The Four Nations tournament will begin this Wednesday at the Bell Centre, with Canada facing Sweden.

And speaking of Canada, well, we recently learned that a new addition has been made to the team to replace the absence of Alex Pietrangelo.

And without much surprise, it is veteran defenseman from the Los Angeles Kings, Drew Doughty, who has been chosen by Team Canada.

It was a logical choice, considering that if Doughty had not been injured for the entire first half of the NHL season, he would surely have been selected by Team Canada when they made their picks in December.

Doughty is a veteran, and he has already represented Canada multiple times, including two Olympic Games, in 2010 in Vancouver and in 2014 in Sochi.

The 35-year-old defenseman will thus join a well-stocked defensive unit, with Cale Makar, Devon Toews, Josh Morrissey, Shea Theodore, Colton Parayko, and Travis Sanheim.

We can expect to see Doughty in the top-6 to start the tournament, especially ahead of a guy like Sanheim.

Now, on the Finnish side, a change has also been made on defense, as Rasmus Ristolainen will not be able to participate in the tournament due to an injury.

It is the lesser-known defenseman from the Ottawa Senators, Nikolas Matinpalo, who will replace Ristolainen.

It is truly unfortunate for Finland, which loses a third defenseman for the tournament, after having already lost Miro Heiskanen and Jani Hakanpaa.

Matinpalo, 26 years old, has only 22 games of NHL experience, 18 of which were this season, and has not recorded any career points.

This is not ideal for Finland, but they didn’t really have a choice.

The only other Finnish defenseman who has played in the NHL this season is Ville Heinola from the Winnipeg Jets.

In short, let’s say that Finland is starting the tournament at a disadvantage when it comes to defense.

Esa Lindell, Niko Mikkola, Oli Maatta, Juuso Valimaki, Henri Jokiharju, Urho Vaakanainen, and Nikolas Matinpalo.

Let’s see how this defense will perform against the best Canadian, American, and Swedish players.

In Brief

— To read.

— The Flames are out of the playoffs at the break.

— To check out.

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KHL All-Star Game: Ivan Demidov scores a goal in the final

This morning, Ivan Demidov shone in Russia as he participated in the KHL skills competition, later scoring two goals in the KHL All-Star Game semi-final.

Demidov helped his division team (the Bobrov division) qualify for the final, which took place today.

Once again, the Montreal Canadiens prospect stood out.

Indeed, Demidov scored a goal in the final, although the Bobrov division unfortunately lost 9 to 8 against the Chernyshev division.

Here is Demidov’s goal.

It’s a beautiful goal, but what stands out the most is Demidov’s smile after scoring.

The hope of the Tricolore really enjoyed himself this weekend with the skills competition and the KHL All-Star Game.

He concluded his first experience at this event with three goals in two games, which is more than respectable.

Now, Demidov can focus on the rest of the season with SKA Saint Petersburg, where he will be one of the key players for SKA’s success at the end of the season and in the playoffs.

His coach Roman Rotenberg is now using Demidov extensively, which is paying off for SKA, who are looking to climb a few spots before the start of the playoffs.

SKA is 6th in its conference but is only two points behind the second place.

(Credit: KHL.ru)

In short, with 15 games left in the regular season, Demidov still has time to impress us further and, importantly, to increase the record for the most points in a season by a player under 20.

In Brief

– Everything is going well for the Rocket, who won again yesterday in Toronto.

– Good point.

– Noteworthy.

– Tarasenko on his departure from Detroit?

– Even with the departure of J.T. Miller, Elias Pettersson has still not found his rhythm.

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The Canadiens are receiving calls about Mike Matheson

The trade deadline is fast approaching in the National Hockey League.

Indeed, we are now less than a month away from March 7, which explains why trade rumors are flying in every corner of the league.

In fact, several rumors have already materialized, as some teams have completed significant transactions without waiting for the deadline.

On the Montreal Canadiens’ side, with the recent significant drop in performance, the team seems to have returned to familiar territory as the deadline approaches, which is that of sellers.

Marc Bergevin is not at the Bell Centre for a courtesy visit.

Vincent Damphousse is convinced that the CH will be sellers on March 7, and thus will trade some of its veterans.

Obviously, I’m primarily referring here to Jake Evans, Joel Armia, and David Savard, but as of the latest news, Kent Hughes is also receiving calls for Mike Matheson.

Indeed, multiple NHL sources reported to Marco D’Amico and Responsible Gambler that the Canadiens were receiving calls for several of their veterans, including Matheson.

This means that even though the CH’s number 8 is still under contract for the next season, several teams are interested in adding his services for beyond the current campaign.

And when you think about it, it is clear that with the salary cap increasing by nearly $8 million, Matheson and his annual salary of $4.85 million will be a great bargain.

Kent Hughes thus has the luxury of listening to the calls he receives for his defender and deciding if an offer suits him.

With the emergence of Lane Hutson, Mike Matheson has become slightly less important for the CH, which could lead Kent Hughes to trade him if the right offer comes along, especially considering the young defenders pushing through the organization.

In short, Matheson seems to be in the same boat as Armia, Evans, and Savard, and could very well leave the ship given that the CH will be sellers, at least partially.

Huh? What do you mean partially sellers?

Well, once again according to information from Marco D’Amico, the CH is currently employing a hybrid approach as the trade deadline approaches.

Indeed, on one hand, Kent Hughes will listen to offers for the veterans mentioned above and will seek to get as much as possible in return, but on the other hand, as we’ve heard in recent days, the CH wants to add NHL players to its team.

A young forward ready for the NHL and a top-4 right-shot defenseman would represent the targets for the Canadiens.

The names that are circulating a lot right now are those you have already heard, such as Dylan Cozens in offense and Noah Dobson on defense.

In short, the CH seems to have two clear goals in mind, which are to trade veterans while adding fresh strength to its team to improve right now.

It is clear that Kent Hughes no longer wants to trade his players only for draft picks and young prospects.

He wants to improve his team, and this could go through a transaction combining his two objectives.

One example that comes to mind is a trade involving Jake Evans and Simon Nemec, the young right-shot defenseman from the New Jersey Devils.

Nemec was not called up from the American League and used for nothing yesterday at the Bell Centre.

The Devils have been interested in Evans for a while, and Nemec is rumored to be on the trading block as well.

In short, all of this remains to be closely monitored until March 7.

In Brief

– It’s clear he is very talented, and it’s no wonder the CH continues to be linked to the matter.

– Noted.

– CF Montreal won 2 to 1, but did not have a great match.

– A new start for the Quebec native.

– Something to keep an eye on.

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Top-5: Tony DeAngelo shoots the puck into his own net

Yesterday was the last big day of hockey before the Four Nations tournament break.

There were 14 games on the schedule, so we got to see a lot of highlights.

Here’s a recap.

1. Tony DeAngelo scores into his own net

A few weeks ago, defenseman Tony DeAngelo left the SKA of Saint Petersburg to return to the NHL by signing with the New York Islanders.

Things have been going well for DeAngelo so far, except that yesterday, he really seemed out of sorts as he very clearly shot the puck into his own net.

Here’s the sequence.

Obviously, DeAngelo felt very bad about it as seen in the sequence, especially since this goal happened in the third period and allowed the Minnesota Wild to take a 5-3 lead and ultimately win 6-3.

In short, a night to forget for DeAngelo.

2. A “Green Man” jumped onto the ice in Vancouver

Do you know the “Green Men”?

They are the classic fans dressed in green costumes in Vancouver, who go wild when the camera is on them.

Well, last night, a “Green Man” somehow managed to get onto the ice, which resulted in the following moment during a commercial break.

He even took the opportunity to hug the referee while being escorted off the ice.

Overall, a funny moment that overshadowed the big 2-1 victory of the Vancouver Canucks against the Toronto Maple Leafs.

The Canucks owe a big thanks to Kevin Lankinen, who made a remarkable save against none other than Auston Matthews at the end of the third period.

3. 10 rounds of shootout between the Blues and the Blackhawks

We witnessed quite a shootout last night between the St. Louis Blues and the Chicago Blackhawks, as both teams went all the way to the tenth round.

Regulation time and overtime were not enough to break the 5-5 tie, and many shootout attempts were needed.

In the end, Radek Faksa scored a stunning goal against Arvid Soderblom to give the St. Louis Blues a 6-5 victory.

4. The Lightning now has four scorers with 25 goals or more

The Tampa Bay Lightning is once again recognized this season for having many very talented players who can score goals at any moment.

In fact, yesterday, by scoring two goals in the 6-3 victory of the Tampa Bay Lightning against the Detroit Red Wings, Brandon Hagel became the fourth player on the team this season to reach the 25-goal mark.

Indeed, Brayden Point (30 goals), Jake Guentzel (27 goals), Brandon Hagel (26 goals), and Nikita Kucherov (25 goals) all have 25 goals or more and are all in the top 15 NHL scorers.

It’s quite an achievement for the Lightning, which once again has several players racking up points in abundance.

In the case of Hagel, it’s important to note that he has 60 points, which is a pace of 91 points at the moment.

5. Jamie Benn celebrates in an unusual way

In an 8-3 victory for the Dallas Stars over the poor San Jose Sharks, the significance of the goals diminishes at a certain point in the game.

And that’s exactly what Jamie Benn wanted to show last night by celebrating his goal, which was the eighth for the Stars.

As soon as he scored, he skated to the players’ bench to sit down without celebrating as if nothing had happened.

A rather amusing moment for the Stars’ captain.

Overtime

– Here are all the results from the previous day.

– Here are the top scorers from yesterday.

(Credit: NHL.com)

– On the schedule today: two games.

(Credit: Google/NHL)
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“The Canadian team will be sellers at the trade deadline.”

For a good month and a half, Canadiens fans dreamed of the playoffs and a trade deadline where Kent Hughes would not sell.

But for the past few weeks, hopes have gone up in smoke, as the CH no longer wins.

I mentioned last week, we need to pull out Tankathon. And at the time of writing these lines, Montreal is just five points away from being in the top-5 teams with the best chances of winning the lottery.

(Credit: Tankathon )

No, the CH will not be buyers.

They will be sellers. According to Vincent Damphousse, there is no doubt about it.

David Savard, Joel Armia, Christian Dvorak, and Jake Evans will all be unrestricted free agents at the end of the season.

Aside from Dvorak, the other three all have great value and could definitely change teams by March 7.

We know that the Oilers are in the running for Savard’s services and that Armia and Evans could be traded together for a big return. Would Hughes prefer to sign a guy like Evans for the medium or long term, however? That remains an option, as at 28 years old, he’s not too old and could very well help the team.

I am one of those who would like to see Armia back in Montreal, but he will want a nice salary increase (deserved) and the Canadiens will not be the team to offer him more than $3.4 million per year.

Dvorak, on the other hand, will not be back and unless there’s a surprise, I don’t believe any team will want to pay to acquire his services. The Montreal management could retain 50% of his salary, but that remains to be seen. Because even at 50% of his salary, #28 isn’t worth much.

Three of the four players will definitely not be returning to the metropolis next year. Might as well trade them for something small instead of losing them anyway on July 1, right? And by trading them, it will make room for the young players and improve the team’s chances of drafting one last major prospect before better days ahead.

In a nutshell

– Must listen.

– The Canadiens have three (Samuel Montembeault, Patrik Laine, and Joel Armia).

– Well done.

– It starts well.

– Congratulations.

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The Rocket is the first team in the AHL to achieve 30 victories

Among the professional hockey clubs in Montreal, only the Canadiens are struggling.

Because the Rocket and the Victory, they win quite regularly. Both teams are at the top of their respective leagues. As for the Canadiens, they are ranked 22nd. Once again today, Montreal lost.

The Rocket won this time in a shootout against the Toronto Marlies. Pascal Vincent’s squad, which has won a seventh consecutive game, is the first team in the AHL to reach 30 wins.

Laval concluded the weekend with two wins against the Toronto Marlies, solidifying its top position in the league overall, but especially in the division.

It was not Cayden Primeau in goal, but Connor Hughes, who stopped 30 of the 32 shots directed at him. He also gave nothing away in the shootout.

The two shootout goals for the team were scored by Jared Davidson and Joshua Roy.

Rafaël Harvey-Pinard and Florian Xhekaj were the scorers in the game.

Here is the current state of the standings. The Calgary Wranglers (29 wins), who play a little later tonight, could also reach the 30-win mark today.

(Credit: AHL.com)

The Montreal affiliate will return to action on Wednesday in Belleville to face the Ottawa Senators’ affiliate.

They will be aiming for an eighth consecutive victory, nothing less.

In brief

– The guys are happy.

– A lot of interest in Brad Marchand and Brandon Carlo.

– An interview with the two brothers.

– He enjoyed his time in the city.

– Good news.