Author: Dose

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Top-4: Jonathan Marchessault scores one of the most bizarre goals of the season

There were four games in the NHL last night.

Before a stop in Montreal, the Preds were in Toronto.

Here are the results and highlights:

1. Jonathan Marchessault scores a bizarre goal

Before a stop in Montreal, the Predators had to focus on the Toronto Maple Leafs.

But Nashville lost… again.

The club broke the ice in the first, however, with one of the strangest goals of the season from Jonathan Marchessaut. He took his own clearance back to surprise Joseph Woll.

The goal wasn’t enough, however, as the visitors lost 3-2.

For the winners, Auston Matthews shone with two goals. That makes three goals in three games since his return to action. This goal was a thing of beauty:

And on the captain’s first goal, Mitch Marner increased his streak of games with at least one point to eight.

2. Two goals for Brad Marchand

In the Bruins-Blackhawks game, Brad Marchand scored two goals in a matter of moments.

Paul Bissonnette’s little sketch at NHLonTNT, he took it personal. Check it out :

Very funny.

Here are the nets for Marchand, who was selected by Team Canada earlier tonight.

David Pastrnak, on the other hand, is on fire these days.

And it just so happens to coincide with Jim Montgomery’s departure.

3. Trevor Zegras injures himself on an innocuous sequence

Another player who’s been doing well lately is Trevor Zegras.

Yesterday, he didn’t pick up a point in the Ducks’ 4-1 loss to the Knights, but was injured on a rather bizarre sequence.

He barely touched William Karlsson and fell very strangely.

He never came back into the game.

Let’s hope it’s not too serious, but when an injury occurs after minimal contact like that, it’s not a good sign.

For Vegas, Jack Eichel collected two assists. He became only the second player this season to collect 30 assists.

Among American players, only Blake Wheeler has managed to reach this plateau in fewer games.

4. Mason Marchment has five goals in his last six games

The final game of the night pitted the Stars against the Kings.

The Kings won 3-2, but that didn’t stop one Stars player from shining.

Mason Marchment scored a beautiful goal, making it five in his last six games.

In the second period, Dallas led by a goal, but former Habs Joel Edmundson scored from the blue line to tie the game.

Then, Warren Foegele scored the winning goal early in the third period.

Extension

– It didn’t take him long to score his second.

– Top scorers.

(Credit: NHL.com)

– Tonight’s games.

(Credit: Google )
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“It’s been a good few days”: Patrik Laine touched by his selection with Finland

Since yesterday, Patrik Laine has been the talk of the Canadiens. The man who scored in his first (regular-season) game in a Habs uniform earned a ton of love at the Bell Centre last night.

His return was eagerly awaited, and he was there. It was a truly beautiful moment.

And after his dream evening yesterday, Laine got another piece of good news today: he’ll be taking part in the 4 Nations Confrontation, as part of the Finnish team.

Remember that he was officially selected even before his return to the game, when the official rosters were submitted to the NHL a few days ago. Management was clearly confident that he would be able to make a strong comeback.

As a result, Laine’s good news has been multiplying over the past few days, and if his comments on TVA Sports tonight are anything to go by, it feels like it’s done him a world of good:

It’s been a good few days. – Patrik Laine

Laine, who considers his selection to be something “special” for him, finally seems to be lining up some good moments. We know that Laine has been through a lot in the past year, and to see him finally healthy and selected to represent his country on the international stage must be quite a balm after all those ordeals.

It’s also worth noting that, at the tournament, Laine is hoping for a chance to play alongside his good friend Aleksander Barkov… and there’s every reason to believe he has a real chance. After all, Laine is likely to get his chance on an offensive line (especially if he plays big hockey in the next couple of months), and putting him alongside the team’s best center in Barkov wouldn’t be a bad idea.

Especially if the two guys have pre-existing chemistry.

So, we’ll see if Laine can continue to string together good days, but right now, watching him enjoy those beautiful moments after difficult trials is a great story. And who knows, maybe if these good times continue, he’ll want to extend his stay in Montreal beyond 2025-26 (possibly at a discount).

In Overtime

– Owen Beck gives the Rocket the win in overtime.

– A man of many talents, this Jacob Fowler.

– Imagine if Kent Hughes had said that about Michael Hage….

– Defeat for Victory.

– Interesting.

– Overtime defeat for the Lions.

– Wow!

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OHL: Michael Misa suspended for throwing doggies into the stands

Ah, the famous doggie-tossing matches.

In the world of hockey, this is a time-honored tradition. Even if it’s not done in the NHL, we often see the concept in the AHL or in junior hockey: fans bring plushies, and when the home team scores its first goal of the game, all the plushies are thrown onto the ice.

They are then donated to charities that give them to needy children. It’s a wonderful tradition, really.

That said, in the last few days, one of the doggie games turned into a suspension. And it wasn’t just any player who was suspended: we’re talking about Michael Misa, one of the top prospects for the upcoming NHL draft.

The reason? While fans flooded the ice with stuffed animals, Misa took the opportunity to throw a few back into the stands.

Misa received a one-game suspension for her violent gesture.

Just as we don’t tolerate fans throwing things on the ice, we don’t tolerate the opposite either.

You might think that Misa, who was on the ice for the other team’s goal that led to the teddy bear toss, might have been a little frustrated at seeing his team concede a goal. Maybe that’s why he decided to throw a few doggies back over the boards.

Was it serious? No, especially as we all agree that no one was hurt. That said, he needs to be able to control his emotions, because throwing things back and forth across the boards is not accepted behavior.

It should also be remembered that in recent days, Misa’s name has been circulating as a player who could leave Canadian junior to be tempted by the NCAA, given that junior players in Canada now retain their NCAA eligibility. Is this on his mind in the midst of a season that isn’t always easy for his team? Possibly.

That said, it’s a reason for suspension that, quite frankly, is more comical than anything else. Let’s hope he’s learned from this little slap on the wrist.

Overtime

– Remember that he was drafted with the pick the Habs got for Alexander Romanov… who was then traded to Chicago for Kirby Dach.

– It’s the result that counts!

– The saga comes to an end.

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4 Nations: for Samuel Montembeault, “3rd goalkeeper” does not mean “not playing”.

Photo by Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images

Today, the four countries participating in the 4 Nations Confrontation in February announced their line-ups. Earlier today, we saw Patrik Laine and Joel Armia selected for the Finnish team, but tonight we were watching for the unveiling of the Canadian and American teams.

Here they are, by the way:

In Montreal, we notice that Cole Caufield and Nick Suzuki aren’t there. Not necessarily a surprise, but now confirmed.

What we also notice is that , as expected, Samuel Montembeault is officially part of the Canadiens line-up.

It’s a nice recognition for a guy who had success with Canada at the World Championships.

What’s interesting, though, is that Montembeault joins Jordan Binnington and Adin Hill, who aren’t exactly in the Carey Price and Martin Brodeur tradition. It’s a line-up of goalkeepers that, for an international tournament, doesn’t look particularly dominant… and that’s perhaps a good thing for Montembeault.

Basically, we already knew that Binnington and Hill were going to be in the lineup. It’s been rumoured for some time, so Montembeault seems to have the third goalie’s chair… or not.

Earlier today, on BPM Sports, Renaud Lavoie noted that for Team Canadiens, “3rd goalie” doesn’t mean “not playing”. Pierre LeBrun has been saying much the same thing for the past few weeks on Radar: Canada may be announcing three goalies today, but it’s not naming its #1 goalie.

This is partly because things have time to change in two months… but it’s also because none of the three particularly stands out.

Binnington and Hill have already won the Stanley Cup, which certainly works in their favor.

That said, Montembeault enjoyed success with Team Canadiens last summer, and we’re talking about a guy who’s used to keeping goal at the Bell Centre. The Bell Centre is a different kettle of fish… and considering that some of the tournament’s games will be played at the Habs’ home, that’s probably in Monty’s favour.

The Québécois, who has bounced back nicely after a slightly more difficult start to the season (last night, for example, he was incredible), has a very real chance of getting some playing time with the Canadiens. It won’t be given to him and he’ll have to earn it, but just because he’s the “third goalie” doesn’t mean he’ll be spending his time on the bench.

Let’s see who will be in net for Canada in the first game of the tournament.

Overtime

– The Habs gave their goaltender some love.

– I love it.

– News from the Blue Jays.

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Jean-Luc Grand-Pierre: Laine could stay in Montreal (at a discount) if he keeps having fun

Photo by Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images

Patrik Laine set the Bell Centre ablaze last night with his first goal of the season.

The fans were loud after seeing him score, and the crowd reaction was perfect.

Like, PERFECT.

After the game, the sniper said he didn’t deserve all the screaming… And he didn’t deserve the standing ovation.

Welcome to Montreal, Patrik!

That said, the fans already love him, because everyone knows how hard it’s been for him in the past.

And the guys at HFTV have already created a song for him:

Laine clearly felt the love from the fans and it made for a beautiful moment.

When the fans are on your side, it’s easier to produce on the ice. And God knows, Laine has the support of the Habs fans!

At this level, Jean-Luc Grand-Pierre(BPM Sports) thinks that Laine might be willing to sign at a discount to stay in Montreal if he’s having fun in Montreal and the fans continue to give him so much love.

The idea is interesting:

Patrik Laine earns an annual salary of $8.7m and his contract expires at the end of the 25-26 season.

What I mean by that is that Kent Hughes still has time to watch him before making his decision.

But if Laine produces up to his potential, fills the net and wants to stay in town while still being able to be healthy… the idea of extending his contract will become really interesting for the Canadiens.

Kent Hughes is constantly looking to improve his club, and a healthy Laine can help the team on the ice. And if Laine stays, Demidov arrives and Michael Hage becomes an impact player in the NHL, the Habs will have ammunition to go to war on offense :

  • Slaf – Suzuki – Caufield
  • Laine – Dach – Demidov
  • Newhook – Hage – ?

That’s a lot of talent, and obviously some things can change between now and then.

But seeing Laine stay in Montreal, conditions permitting, would fill a direct need in the Canadiens’ line-up.

Overtime

– Indeed.

– That’s normal.

– Great contest :

– Reminder: there are four games tonight in the NHL.

– Too bad for the Spurs.

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Jacob Fowler’s November stats are mind-boggling

ST. PAUL, MN - APRIL 13: Boston College Eagles goaltender Jacob Fowler (1) skates on the ice before the men's Frozen Four championship game between the Boston College Eagles and the Denver Pioneers on April 13th, 2024, in St. Paul, Minnesota. (Photo by Bailey Hillesheim/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Jacob Fowler hasn’t performed like a 3rd-round draft pick since he arrived in the NCAA.

He plays like a top-10 draft pick because he’s simply dominant.

And in November, he let his talent shine through once again.

The Canadiens’ prospect was named goalie of the month in his conference because his numbers are mind-blowing.

It’s hard to ask for more, after all:

  • 6-1-0 record (with two shutouts)
  • 1.76 goals-against average
  • .936 efficiency rate

When Fowler is at his best, he helps his team win.

The way he’s going, it’s only natural to think he could make the jump to the pros at the end of his season.

Because if he doesn’t, you have to ask yourself a few questions: does Fowler still have things to learn at the university level? Would he really benefit from another year in the NCAA playing with players of a lower caliber than the American League (or even the National League)?

Jacob Fowler may have just turned 20 (November 24), but he’s already too good for the NCAA.

He’s proven himself, and it’s not as if he hasn’t been excellent already :

(Credit: Capture d’écran Hockey DB)

You have to be careful with a goalie’s stats in the NCAA.

Cayden Primeau is a case in point.

He was exceptional with Northeastern University and now, at 25, he seems to be at a crossroads in the NHL.

On the other hand, it’s interesting to see Jacob Fowler being so good at Boston College. His stats are really interesting, but it’s his style and calmness in front of the net that make him an intriguing prospect for the Habs.

So much the better!

Overtime

– Indeed.

– Sick!

– The infirmary is overflowing in Minnesota.

– Of note:

– Hard blow for the Jaguars.

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Meredith Gaudreau has Johnny’s signature tattooed on her wrist

The Blue Jackets were in Calgary last night to take on the Flames.

The Flames ended up winning the game 3-0… But that’s not what’s important.

The evening was dedicated to Johnny Gaudreau and his brother, and the result was a success. Johnny wore the colors of both organizations.

Johnny and Matthew’s entire family were present at the Flames’ home for the event, and Johnny’s wife was there too.

She gave an interview to Sportsnet before the start of the game, and you could hear the emotion in her voice.

That said, Meredith Gaudreau took the opportunity to show off her new tattoo, which honours the life of Johnny Gaudreau.

She had Johnny’s signature inked on her wrist, because it was in Calgary that his autograph really became popular:

It’s really cool. And the tattoo looks great to me, because it’s a good idea.

During the interview, Meredith Gaudreau also said she wanted to be there to give her children a nice souvenir. They’ll be able to remember this moment in their father’s memory, and that’s priceless.

In fact, the photographers who were in Calgary for the match captured some simply stunning images during the pre-game ceremony.

These three photos are truly powerful:

(Credit: Getty Images)
(Credit: Getty Images)
(Credit: Getty Images)

The two clubs together at Centre Ice, Johnny Gaudreau’s family with the kids, Sean Monahan giving the father of the family a hug… It’s really touching.

The Flames really pulled off their evening. Everything was perfect, and it allowed the family to experience a special moment.

Hats off to them.

Overtime

– Wow.

– J.T. Miller will not be traded.

– Oh.

– Love this.

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4 Nations Tournament : Joel Armia has found his place in Finland’s line-up

Photo by Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images

Finland has announced the players who will be taking part in the 4 Nations Tournament.

Among them are two members of the Montreal Canadiens organization.

We’re talking about Joel Armia and Patrik Laine:

Armia isn’t the player who’s going to change everything, but we know he’s still good on the international stage.

I have a feeling that played a role in Finland’s leadership, even though Armia has what it takes to help the team on the ice.

I expect him to play at the bottom of the line-up, but I also expect him to be used at the short-handed position.

He’s good in that role in Montreal, after all.

On the other hand, I tend to think it’s good news for Kent Hughes. Armia could use the event to showcase his defensive game, and if that happens, other clubs will be taking notes in preparation for the trade deadline.

Especially given that Armia will become a free agent at the end of the season.

As for Laine, we agree that he was chosen for logical reasons.

Everyone knows the quality of his shot, and we saw it last night at the Bell Centre.

He may not have played much in recent months… But offensive players like him don’t lose their talent overnight.

Personally, I’m looking forward to seeing how he’ll be used on the team.

He’ll have the opportunity to play with some talented players, because on paper, the Finnish team is interesting.

They’ve got a strong forward line with guys like Sebastian Aho, Aleksnader Barkov and Mikko Rantanen:

More details to come…

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Jake Allen is exactly the goalie the Canadiens need

Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images

How’s Jake Allen in New Jersey? Doing well.

I know he’s playing for a better defensive club than the Canadiens have in recent years, but right now, he’s on his X in New Jersey. Sharing duties with Jacob Markstrom is working.

In fact, he has (all things considered) the same stats as Markstrom, but in half as many games.

(Credit: Hockey DB)

Looking at this, it’s easy to see that the Habs miss Jake Allen. As much for his leadership as for the way he was (sometimes) able to play, Allen had his uses.

Recently, colleague Maxime Truman put his finger on the boo-boo when he mentioned that the Habs were going through a leadership crisis.

With Cayden Primeau unable to play well this season, one wonders who will be the goalie to back up Samuel Montembeault in the future.

And in a tweet on the subject, Marc-Olivier Beaudoin reminded us that if the Habs are looking for a veteran goalie for next season, Allen could be just what the Habs need.

Keep in mind that Allen will be a free agent in a few months. I have a feeling the Devils will want to extend his contract, but who knows what will really happen in due course.

Things can change quickly.

I’m not saying it will. But Allen knows the Habs management and coaching staff well. He loved Montreal and has a great relationship with Samuel Montembeault, who could benefit from having a veteran at his side.

This might be a good time to repeat a phrase I’ve often used in recent years.

But I’m also among those who think that if the Canadiens were to trade Jake Allen, the first thing they should do is find a new Jake Allen. – Charles-Alexis Brisebois

Allen isn’t a perfect goalie, but the Habs won’t be targeting an Igor Shesterkin this summer either. And a guy like Allen would tick all the boxes for a potential #2 goalie in Montreal. That’s the kind of guy the Habs need.

I don’t think it’s going to happen, but let’s just say it would fit the club’s needs. And I wonder what Habs management thinks.

Overtime

– Oh, no?

– Indeed.

– True.

– Bravo.

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Stanley25: confidences of a former Stanley Cup champion (’93)

Time flies!

We’ve already recorded eight out of ten episodes for our second season of Stanley25.

Yesterday, for episode VIII – I wanted to prove to myself that I was still capable of using Roman numerals , which are very useful in 2024 – we had a Stanley Cup champion on set: Gilbert Dionne.

He, too, is looking forward to his 25th Stanley Cup! #Stanley25

Gilbert was ultra generous and true to himself, which is to say, transparent. His best anecdotes? Aside from his bit about what it’s like to have a summer party after winning the Stanley Cup, it was probably his two confidences about Patrick Roy that made the show.

1. Patrick Roy decided which games he would play before the season even started. André Racicot got the other games, that’s it. The coach had no say in the matter.

Gilbert Dionne played for Pat Burns and Jacques Demers in Montreal.

“Patrick was on schedule at the beginning of the year. I play there… I don’t play. Patrick was 100% in charge. And he was right; he’s your best goalie. If he wanted to take a little break in Florida, he took his little break. –Gilbert Dionne, on Patrick Roy.

The excerpt is available for the curious:

We agree that, no, Samuel Montembeault doesn’t “get his schedule” before the start of the season…

But I wonder how much a guy like Carey Price chooses his. He already chose which arena the team held morning practices in on game days…

Pretty sure that in the short term, Price had his say… but did he choose his whole year? I don’t think so…

2. Patrick Roy was an excellent leader on the ice… and he was REALLY superstitious.

Gilbert Dionne once fell victim to Patrick Roy ‘s 1001 superstitions.

“Patrick Roy was a leader; it was incredible, but he’s a leader a lot on the ice. Emotional on the ice, very quiet, we knew that… and very superstitious […] I brushed against his blocker, then he wasn’t happy; he asked me to go back into the Forum. I backed out of the Forum onto the ice. I had to come back and apologize. My man was hell […] When he was focused, you had to make sure you respected his time to get ready for the game.” –Gilbert Dionne

Check out the rest of the podcast for stories about Jacques Demers, the post-Cup summer, the deal that got Gilbert Dionne out of Montreal, the importance of having French-speaking Québécois in the organization, and the role of the Alumni, which is not the same today.

Damn, cheering on a winning team, contender and connected to its Alumni would be exciting for the Montreal fan base…

Let’s hope the rebuild works!

Extension

The second season of the Stanley25 podcast ends in two weeks. A big thank you to everyone for tuning in again this year.

We plan to return for Season III in mid-January.

Until then, I invite you to subscribe to the 9millions pages on TikTok, YouTube, Facebook, Instagram and X… and for the more cranky, we’ve got a Patreon on which we drop exclusive info, the show the day before it’s posted, regular draws (we’ve raffled off three Canadiens jerseys this season and are currently raffling off a $1,000 Quartz Co coat) and access to special events.

Thanks for the big love!