dlbalr

This is Columbus' top-4 defencemen in order of cap hit for next season: Wisniewski, Tyutin, Johnson, and Methot. They're all locked up through 2015-16 with a cap hit of just over $17.3 million. Ouch.

Morgan Ellis with a 4 point night for Shawinigan. Since the trade he has 21 points in 18 games (don't forget he's a defenceman), 46 points in 50 games on the season.

Correct. That 3rd rounder, Nick Cousins, has a bit of upside too. For those who think Gauthier is the worst GM in the league, I present you with evidence 'A' to the contrary, Scott Howson.

Stoll is a UFA this offseason while I suspect Carter will play the wing.

For anyone who follows the NBA a bit, you may have noticed the decline of the Celtics this year. This is a terrific funny and scathing write-up blaming their GM taking them to where they are today: http://www.grantland...niversary-party

There's ample time for each I'm sure. If not, he could always spike the Gatorade bottle on the bench and multitask.

Jeff Carter to LA is looking closer and closer. He and Richards get reunited if that's the case, perhaps that gets both of them going again?

Stejskal is a surprising healthy scratch right now, why they keep trotting FitzGerald out there in front of him is beyond me. As for the Kostopoulos comparison, it didn't matter that he was an iffy fighter, he was a good enough skater and defensive player to justify playing a 4th line role. Schultz isn't there yet nor does he have the requisite fighting skills to make it as a 4th line pugilist either. He shouldn't be up after the deadline as a regular, he still needs a lot of work in the AHL. The good news is he is improving steadily which gives me a bit of hope for the future.

From reading this from afar, it appears the discussion stems from the definition of the word 'team.' From reading Habsy, I take it that he's saying the players (the team) are playing to win as well they should be. Players aren't concerned with future picks that could be there in a few years, their mantra is to try and win every night. You can't tell your players to go and lay the proverbial egg all the time (from recent play, they're capable of that without encouragement). From your point of view, you seem to be referring to management as the team. Management should be thinking big picture which makes perfect sense. Barring a miracle, this will be a playoff-less season in Montreal so like Yzerman, make some moves and build for the future. Both can be done simultaneously - Gauthier can be proactive for the future while the 18 skaters and 2 goalies that dress each night can do what their job is, try to go out and win. As trades happen, that becomes more difficult in theory but the players still have to give it their all.

Doesn't seem like he was recalled for now. Nokelainen did travel with the team but I'd have to presume his status is still uncertain for tomorrow right now.

If you believe management is simply willing to bury/buyout the contract, then there'd be no point to the deal. If you think they'd be hesitant to do so then it becomes a little more palatable strictly looking from a financial side.

Good, the Bulldogs will need him for as long as they can get him (I've suspected since the deal that he's coming up after the deadline which means they won't have him for long).

There are rumblings Geoffrion is called up. Make of that what you will but I suspect it's in case some of the sick players can't go, not necessarily a trade. Note that the Habs only announce recalls after 5 PM (aka, smart cap management) so we won't know for sure for a bit.

Schultz has played his way back to prospect status which is better than the middling depth minor leaguer status he seemed to be at back in October. That said, he has a long way to go still, especially with his skating. He's not a big time fighter so he won't be the 4th line goon type, he needs to improve that element to have a shot at seeing semi-regular 4th line minutes.

The Frolik-Olesz proposal isn't the same cap hit as Olesz is in the AHL right now, Chicago would be taking on around $4 mil in cap hit. That might deter them a little.

Bulldogs can't score on the PP, Tatar scores into the empty net to clinch it.

Hamilton is carrying the play in the 3rd but so far haven't been able to beat Conklin to tie it up. Bulldogs to the PP with 4:16 left.

Methinks he's sending a message that he'd like to be with the Habs sooner than later. Nearly a point-per-period-pace (now that's alliteration!), he's making quite the case for himself.

Smoley hokes, the Bulldogs have life. Geoffrion scores on the PP (2-man) with 0.7 seconds left in the 2nd to make it 3-2! Stafford and St-Denis with the helpers.

Nattinen's hot streak continues as he scores to make it 3-1! Geoffrion and Engqvist with the assists.

3-0 now. Mayer's struggles continue.

1 shot in the 1st tied a franchise record for fewest shots in a period. That's a good start to a must-win game...

Nyqvist scores a PPG to make it 1-0 Grand Rapids. I'm not sure Hamilton has a shot on net yet as we approach the halfway mark.

More injury notes - Conboy is out for the season as most should know by now while Dumont, Fortier, and Masse are all out 2-3 weeks. The first two have upper body injuries while Masse's is lower body. Stejskal and Dame-Malka are healthy scratches.

Avtsin won't go tonight but Jodoin is hopeful he'll be able to go Friday. Lawson is DTD due to being sick so Mayer's in; Lefebvre is also sick but surprisingly is playing. Conklin is in for the Griffs.