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Teemu Selanne’s advice for Patrik Laine

Do I need to remind you of the context in which Patrik Laine quickly put Canadiens fans against him?

These days, it’s tough for the Finn. It seems like he is stuck in his old patterns, and the worst thing that could have happened to him, in hindsight, is his strong start with the CH.

If he hadn’t scored in droves in December, he would be treated like Kirby Dach: considered still injured.

In fact, I say he has alienated the fans… but they still want to see Laine succeed. Yesterday, when he received a standing ovation from the Montreal crowd, it was a good sign.

People in Montreal want him to succeed.

But to be successful, he will need to find consistency. This is what Teemu Selanne, the legendary Finnish player in NHL history, stated when he was asked about the end of his compatriot’s honeymoon period.

Marc De Foy has just reported this in an article that I invite you to read.

In essence, Selanne talks about consistency and confidence. And in my eyes, they come hand in hand since if you score often, you won’t lose confidence in your abilities.

He could have also talked about effort… but one understands why Selanne didn’t throw his compatriot under the bus, who wasn’t exactly perfect last night.

Of course, we all know that most scorers are streaky players. This makes it not always easy to manage within a hockey club. Remember Max Pacioretty?

Maybe Laine, who failed to score yesterday, will regain his confidence under the colors of Finland. And if so, it will be a nice victory for the Montreal Canadiens.

In brief

– Speaking of the devil.

– Must read.

– Interesting.

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Brady Tkachuk: the match against Canada will be “the biggest of his career”

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

After Canada’s superb match against Sweden on Wednesday night at the Bell Centre, it was time for the Americans to make their entry into the tournament. The Finns were on the menu.

Of course, the crowd (which was lively) rallied behind Finland. Patrik Laine received a warm welcome from those present, and, unsurprisingly, the Americans were booed. The same went for their national anthem, which did not please Matthew Tkachuk.

But on the ice?

I laughed when I saw the notification from TVA Sports, which said that “the matter was Tkachuk” to refer back to the game. Well played on that one because it’s funny… and it’s true.

When Matthew and Brady were reunited, they took control of the game. Their chemistry was instantaneous (no surprise here), and watching their playing styles complement each other like that was beautiful.

I wonder how much this made the Panthers salivate… but that’s another debate.

The two brothers sent messages to the Finns, but also to the Canadians. I wonder how much chance Sam Bennett will get in tomorrow’s game.

This match between Canada and the United States was always known to be important, but it becomes even more so. It is important for hockey, it is important for politics… and it is important for the players. Brady Tkachuk even speaks of the most significant duel of his career. #NothingLess

It’s easy to say that playing in Ottawa, he has never had it better. But this reminds us that the Four Nations Confrontation is not just a tournament that serves as an “appetizer” for the Olympics: it is an important event for the players.

Representing one’s country is something different. And right now, it shows.

When looking at yesterday’s game, you can clearly see that there are elements that need to be noted since the match was relatively close at first… but it ended 6-1.

What do I take away from yesterday’s game? And what will I be watching for in the near future?

1. The Tkachuk parents were proud of their sons. Brady often watched his brother play in the playoffs, and now he finally had the chance to play an important game himself.

He earned the right to hang Johnny Gaudreau’s jersey on his locker as the player of the game according to his peers. Well done.

2. On his part, Matthew Tkachuk may not have delivered 28 eight shoulder hits like his brother, but he was named the player of the game on the ice. It was Georges Laraque who had the chance to present him with his award.

Four goals (two each) for the brothers is intense. They deserve to be talked about this morning.

3. Which goalie will be sent into battle by Canada? We have to think, until proof to the contrary, that it will be Jordan Binnington. But he better be good…

Because if Connor Hellebuyck is in shape, it won’t be simple.

4. Because Canada only won in overtime on Wednesday, the United States is in first place in the standings after two days. It’s the 3-2-1-0 system that prevails in the tournament.

If the Americans win in regulation tomorrow, they will secure their spot in the championship match.

5. It will be interesting to see some specific duels tomorrow. Connor McDavid against Matthew Tkachuk (like in the Stanley Cup final) and Mitch Marner against Auston Matthews are two aspects that I will be watching.

And you?

in a nutshell

– Lane Hutson is 21 years old.

– Time is running out.

– Um…

– Roch Voisine has a song for the Victory of Montreal. [LP]

– A must-read.

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4 Nations: the Tkachuk brothers easily take down the Finns

After seeing Canada win the first match of the Four Nations Showdown last night, it was now the turn of Finland and the United States to take the stage in the tournament.

Once again, it was at the Bell Centre that it was happening.

Here are the lineups for the two teams:

After some boos for the American anthem, Finland (which was the popular team at the Bell Centre tonight) made sure to please the fans present.

Henri Jokiharju scored the first goal of the game.

That being said, the United States were seen as the favorites in this matchup due to their talent-packed lineup… and they reminded everyone that they were to be taken seriously.

Brady Tkachuk made sure to respond.

After 20 minutes, the score was 1-1.

In the second period, the physical play continued in what was quite a physical match.

Brady Tkachuk and Niko Mikkola notably had quite a showdown.

That being said, we also witnessed a goal before the end of the second period… and it came from the United States.

Matt Boldy redirected a shot into the Finnish net.

After 40 minutes, the score was 2-1 in favor of Team USA.

And in the third, one had to pay attention at the start of the period. In fact, the United States scored two goals in the first 26 seconds of the period to take control of the game.

Finland had defended well for 40 minutes… but the United States turned on the machine, courtesy of Matthew Tkachuk and Jake Guentzel.

Then, less than three minutes later, the Tkachuk brothers joined forces to add a fifth goal for their team.

A goal for Brady and an assist for Matthew on the play.

And as if that wasn’t enough, another goal was scored by a Tkachuk during this third period.

This time, it was Matthew who found the net.

A dominating victory for the United States, who left the Finnish team with no chance in this third period.

And above all, a domination by the Tkachuk brothers.

Final score: 6-1 United States

The tournament will take a break tomorrow before resuming with two matches on Saturday. Sweden and Finland will clash at 1 PM, while Canada and the United States will face off at 8 PM.

Overtime

– During the first 40 minutes of the match, the hard work of the Finns suggested that the team might have a chance to cause an upset… but in the end, it was the more talented team that prevailed. Beating the United States will be really tough.

– During the game, the U.S. team’s coach, Mike Sullivan, decided to put the Tkachuk brothers on the same line (with Jack Eichel at center)… and the two brothers gave the Finns plenty to handle. Both brothers scored two goals in this match.

– Juuse Saros was not helped by his defense (which is clearly not up to par for a tournament of this kind), but he was not particularly dominant either. I’m looking forward to seeing if Kevin Lankinen will get his chance against Sweden on Saturday.

– Artturi Lehkonen received a good dose of love at the Bell Centre before the game. No, the people of Montreal have not forgotten him.

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Patrik Laine: Mikko Rantanen makes a little jab at his fashion style

Since arriving in Montreal, we have come to know Patrik Laine. We have seen both his best moments on the ice… as well as what happens when he hits a rough patch offensively.

And when he decides to speak a little (too) much in front of the media.

That said, we have also come to know Laine for his fashion style, which is, let’s say, quite extravagant. Mike Commodore is not the biggest fan, but oh well.

However, it’s clear that it’s not just with the Canadiens that this has stirred reactions. Before Finland’s match tonight at the Four Nations Showdown, Mikko Rantanen was asked about the country’s team at the 2016 World Juniors, which had won gold, and he was asked which of the players from that team “still thinks they are 18.”

And it prompted a good response:

I think everybody has matured. [Patrik] Laine wears weird clothes sometimes, though. – Mikko Rantanen

Clearly, Rantanen was mostly trying to tease his fellow countryman. He didn’t say this maliciously: he mainly wanted to joke about a guy with whom he had good times at the 2016 World Juniors and with whom he is reunited for the Four Nations Showdown.

And we know that Laine’s fashion sense is quite distinctive, making it easy to poke a little fun at him about it.

Notably, at the beginning of tonight’s game at the Bell Centre, Laine was introduced to the crowd… and he received a warm dose of love.

It seems they want to help him regain his confidence.

We will see if a change of scenery with his national team helps him bounce back strongly to finish the season with the Canadiens. Getting away from his struggles a bit and having fun with players from his country can change his state of mind, after all.

To be continued, then.

In brief

– Jacob Fowler among the 10 finalists for the Mike Richter trophy, awarded to the best NCAA goalkeeper.

– Noted.

– It continues to spark discussions.

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«Laine’s a Hab»: Arber Xhekaj sang the HFTV song all night long

HFTV is known for their catchy songs about Canadiens players. Almost every player gets a song, especially those who fire up the crowd, like Patrik Laine during his debut with the Canadiens.

After Laine’s first game with the Canadiens in December, the HFTV guys created a parody of the song Sweet Caroline, changing the lyrics and the title to Laine’s a Hab.

This song managed to make its way into the Canadiens’ locker room and clearly made an impression on the main interested party, but also on Arber Xhekaj!

This is what Laine revealed to the members of HFTV during an interview on the sidelines of the Four Nations Faceoff.

The scene apparently took place during the rookie party in Vegas. According to Laine, Xhekaj sang this song at the top of his lungs for the entirety of the evening.

Laine said he found it very funny, but with his extremely calm demeanor, I would bet that he might have been a bit shy during the tenth repetition of the song!

It’s a good thing to see Canadiens players enjoying the songs created by the team’s fans. It must be extremely flattering to have a song dedicated to them.

The members of HFTV even suggested to Laine to change the lyrics of the song to Laine’s a Fin (Finnish). Laine thought the idea was good, but he wanted the lyrics to revert back to Laine’s a Hab.

This might be a sign that he really enjoys being a Canadiens player, despite his recent jabs at Martin St-Louis.

Patrik Laine’s recent performances in Montreal have not earned him many fans. We look forward to seeing him return to his old scoring habits.

Let’s just say it could overshadow his lack of energy when playing five on five.

Perhaps a few games with Finland will help him regain his bearings and confidence on the ice.

In Brief

– Wow!

– This player is going to become a fan favorite in Montreal.

– A lot of people wanted to see Canada in action.

– CF Montreal wants to be better across the board.

– He stood out in overtime.

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Simon “Snake” Boisvert wants to see Caleb Desnoyers or Carter Bear drafted by the Canadiens

The Canadiens will be able to take advantage of the break during the 4 Nations Showcase to regroup after a heavy series of defeats. For most Canadiens fans, the dream of making the playoffs this season is now behind them.

That means the Canadiens can now focus on the upcoming draft like they have in recent years. At this pace, Montreal should have the chance to draft in the top 10.

The Canadiens currently sit 23rd in the overall standings, which would give them the 10th overall pick if the lottery doesn’t change anything.

Given how the Canadiens are playing right now, Simon “Snake” Boisvert expects to see the Montreal team select in the seventh or eighth position at the upcoming draft.

For those who regularly listen to the Athletic Commission podcast with Mathias Brunet and Simon “Snake” Boisvert, you will know in advance that the Snake admires two specific prospects who could be available at the Canadiens’ selection spot.

We are talking about Caleb Desnoyers and Carter Bear. If the Canadiens were to find themselves with the seventh or eighth pick in the upcoming draft and these players are still available, the Snake believes it would be a disgrace not to select one of the two. This is what he explained in the latest episode of Processus.

Caleb Desnoyers is the most sought-after player of the two, and I’m not telling anyone anything new by saying that a talented Quebecer in Montreal can quickly become a fan favorite.

Desnoyers has already scored 67 points this season, including 30 goals, in just 44 games. He is a center who excels in offense but also works well in forechecking and defense.

The problem is that he is ranked between fifth and tenth in most expert lists leading up to the draft. If the Canadiens draft seventh or eighth, it’s very possible he won’t be available.

This leaves us with Carter Bear. He plays for the Silvertips in the WHL and has already collected 76 points, including 37 goals, in 46 games this season. He is also talked about as a forward capable of playing both ends of the ice.

However, Bear’s case is much more ambiguous than Desnoyers’. The NHL Central Scouting ranks him 11th among North American skaters, and he often finds himself ranked between 10th and 15th on various draft lists.

However, he does appear in seventh and eighth position on some lists. This is where the Canadiens could take advantage. With Kirby Dach’s project seemingly collapsing, it wouldn’t be surprising at all to see the Canadiens select a center like Desnoyers or Bear.

Simon “Snake” Boisvert will be crossing his fingers at the draft hoping that one of these two players is selected by the Canadiens.

In Brief

– Thomas Harley is Canada’s emergency substitute.

– A nice story.

– To note.

– That’s disrespectful.

– That’s a shame.

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Kevin Raphaël demands the dismissal of Gilbert Delorme

The Super Bowl on Sunday continues to stir conversation this Thursday evening.

In fact, I should rather say: the halftime show of the Super Bowl continues to stir conversation.

Louis Lacroix has finally been suspended for writing on X Facebook that he wondered why the street gangs had taken control of his television during the Super Bowl.

I pointed out Monday at noon that if Jeremy Filosa had been suspended and then retrained on the definition of journalistic ethics, I was “looking forward” to seeing what Cogeco’s managers would decide to do with their parliamentary journalist.

If doubting that Man has ever walked on the Moon warranted a suspension, a several-month reassignment, and retraining for a sports journalist, a publication ridiculing Black culture made by a political journalist needed to be addressed.

Let’s call this the Filosa case law. By acting so firmly last fall, 98.5 FM somewhat painted itself into a corner: if you make a journalistic mistake, you must be punished with this new standard. If not, the injured parties will say there are double standards at Cogeco.

I spoke to several people from the Montreal Black community who expressed outrage that Cogeco defended Louis Lacroix so quickly, stating that they would not suspend him. In the end, they reversed their decision and suspended him.

I repeat, but the Filosa story has set the bar “high.” #CaseLaw #TooSeverePunishments? #EquivalentPunishments

Kevin Raphaël demands the firing of Louis Lacroix… and Gilbert Delorme
Kevin Raphaël and Pat Laprade released their latest episode of the podcast The Anti-Pods of Wrestling this noon.

At the eighth minute of the brand new episode, you can hear Kevin Raphaël demand the firing of Louis Lacroix… and Gilbert Delorme.

“What Gilbert said, and what he (Louis Lacroix) said, deserves for me to be thrown out. Because it’s terrible, what was said […] This kind of thinking, that’s garbage, my bad, that needs to go.” – Kevin Raphaël

I invite you to listen for yourself to get the full context: LINK.

Kevin Raphaël has a point: yes, fundamentally, we need to stop, as a society, making racist comments, exhibiting behaviors, and holding thoughts that are racist. And it must start with those who have a greater power of speech or writing than others.

The post by Louis Lacroix shocked me immediately. He was publicly attacking a culture I have immersed myself in for decades.

Except that I am white and was only partially targeted by Louis Lacroix’s comments. I can easily imagine how young Black individuals might have felt, listening to the excerpt.

As for Gilbert, the nuance is a bit more subtle. He doesn’t like rap and he says it loud and clear. He has the right; there aren’t many 62-year-old white men from the South Shore who listen to rap in their Buick Regal car.

But everyone who knows the man will tell you that he is ZERO racist. ZERO AND A BAR. Gilbert Delorme is, on the contrary, one of the best people I’ve had the chance to meet in the media world, and what he and his wife do for Quebec society – for all its cultural layers – is exceptional.

However, some individuals from the Black community confessed to me today that they were hurt by Gilbert’s remarks, especially towards the end of the excerpt below:

@blackmarketradio The halftime show is crap!!!#superbowlliv #tiktokquebec #nfl #football #bpmsports ♬ original sound – Black Market Fm

Who am I to question their discomfort?

What to do about all this?
Should we fire Louis Lacroix for his post? I don’t know. Some people are far better positioned than I am to judge that.

Should we dismiss Gilbert Delorme? Absolutely not… for all the reasons mentioned above. And don’t think I’m returning a favor to someone who owes me: Gilbert picked up the podcast that I host with Jean Trudel no later than last week on the airwaves of BPM Sports.

However, if we required Jeremy Filosa to return to school to get up to speed on journalistic ethics, I believe a little training on the various cultural communities present in Quebec, the particulars of each, and ways to understand others’ differences would certainly not harm some.

And at that point, perhaps we could also include the one who made the decision to cut the excerpt of Gilbert to share on the station’s social media in that training…

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Two points in six games: Rantanen better start producing in Carolina…

How is Mikko Rantanen doing since his arrival in Carolina?

Badly. Very badly…

The star forward seems to be struggling to establish himself in the Hurricanes’ lineup. He has only collected two small points in six games…

I really wonder what the management in Carolina is thinking right now.

Especially since in Colorado, well… Martin Necas is having a blast alongside Nathan MacKinnon and Artturi Lehkonen on the Avalanche’s first line.

Necas has amassed nine points in his first eight games in the Avalanche uniform.

The sample size is small, but for now, the trade clearly benefits Colorado:

It’s funny, but at the time of the trade… We all wondered why Chris MacFarland (GM) decided to trade Mikko Rantanen.

We all thought that the Avalanche had made a big mistake.

Ultimately, we really have to wonder what the plan is for the future for the Hurricanes. Seeing Rantanen struggle, doubts may start to creep in because the player will be a free agent this summer and then, an important decision must be made.

Should they give him the big bucks hoping that things will turn around? Let’s remember that this is what the Flames did with Jonathan Huberdeau and they probably regret their choice today…

Otherwise, one must also wonder if there is a scenario where the Hurricanes trade Rantanen before the next trade deadline to get an interesting return. If it’s not working out with him in the lineup, they might as well send him elsewhere to get something… Because the Hurricanes don’t have the luxury of losing him for nothing this summer in free agency.

And there is no NHL team that has the luxury of losing a player of that caliber for free.

Rantanen needs to find a way to help the Hurricanes as he did with the Avalanche before it’s too late:

In Brief

– Logical.

– It must be tough.

– I love it.

– A real machine.

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Caufield and two first-round picks for Sidney Crosby: Martin Lemay’s offer

Do you know what I enjoyed most about last night’s game between Canada and Sweden?

Watching Sidney Crosby have fun on the ice at the Bell Centre.

The captain of the Maple Leaf team – as expected – delivered a Sidney Crosby-like performance with three assists, including one on the game-winning goal in overtime.

Several times during the game, I found myself watching the television thinking: “damn, it would be so fun to have Crosby in Montreal”… And I’m sure some of you had the same thought.

This is the case for Martin Lemay, at least… Who would be willing to give a lot to convince the Penguins to let him leave for the Canadiens.

Lemay’s offer? Cole Caufield, two first-round picks (one in 2025 and one in 2026)… And he even thinks that’s not enough:

I’ll do it tomorrow morning! – Martin Lemay

I don’t need to spell it out for you that attracting Sidney Crosby to Montreal would be something extraordinary.

Truly extraordinary.

But where it gets tricky with Lemay’s offer… Is when we consider that Crosby will be 38 years old come August.

You can’t give up your best sniper (who isn’t even 25 yet, by the way) and two first-round picks for a player of that age.

I love Crosby, I even adore him… But we have to think logically too.

It’s certain that #87 would provide services to the Canadiens organization before retiring, but we have to look to the future. You need to think five years ahead because that’s when the Canadiens will be able to compete with the best teams in the NHL season after season.

That said, giving up so much for a guy who might not be playing in 3-4 years would set back the rebuilding process more than anything else. And that’s the main issue with Martin Lemay’s proposal.

In brief

– He’s probably right.

– Indeed!

– Minor transaction between the Penguins and the Blues.

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Let’s be realistic: To bring Dobson to Montreal, either Suzuki, Caufield, Slaf, or Demidov is needed

Noah Dobson is one of the best offensive defenders in the National Hockey League.

It is for this reason that the fact he might be available right now with the Islanders is attracting attention.

He is only 25 years old, he shoots right, and he already has a 70-point season under his belt in the NHL… To get him out of New York, it will cost a lot. A whole lot!

That said, one must realize that Dobson’s value is enormous right now… And that the Islanders are not going to let him go just for fun.

I say this because Marco Normandin, from Habsolument Fan, had fun building a trade to bring Dobson to Montreal.

And if Lou Lamoriello accepts that offer… He probably won’t have a job the day after the trade:

(Credit: HabsolumentFan)

There is nothing wrong with the idea, but we agree that it would really be a heist on the part of the Canadiens.

And that’s why, in my eyes, it would take a lot more to convince Lamoriello to let his defender go.

In New York, they would want to crucify Lamoriello in public after a transaction like that!

David Reinbacher has not yet played a single game in the NHL. Luke Tuch will never be a super dominant player on a team’s top-6 or top-9… And Filip Mesar (nine points in 24 games) is having difficulty establishing himself as an impact player in the American League.

It is hard to believe that the Islanders would be super interested in the services of these guys…

We know that the Isles are looking for an offensive forward who can score goals.

That said, to get Dobson out of New York, it would take at least offering Slaf, Suzuki, Caufield, or Demidov… And I am not sure I would be ready to do that.

Marco Normandin makes a very good point by saying that Dobson would automatically become the number one defender on the Canadiens’ blue line.

But exactly: would you be willing to give up a player who plays on the top line in Montreal for a number one defender? That’s really the question to ask.

Because the Islanders will never trade Dobson for guys who have not yet proven themselves and a draft pick.

In brief

– Wow.

– I can’t wait to see them tonight, the Americans.

– Exactly.