Habs Fan in Edmonton

The anticipation of Hutson to steal the puck on Caulfield's goal still has me shaking my head. What an absolute steal with the 62nd pick. Plus Anderson and Slaf were in beast mode. Dvorak is playing his best hockey as a Hab by far. Onward.

What an effort!! Proud of the boys!!

The refs simply missed that call. It's not like they are giving players a blank cheque for cross checks to the head.

One thing Florida has going for them is that they have a lot of key players that missed time late in the year (ie. Tkachuk, Marchand, Ekblad) who will be well rested. It's a long season so that helps a lot. The Tampa series isn't over but it's looking good for Florida right now. I will probably find myself cheering for a team that has both Marchand and Tkachuk on it. That doesn't happen often.

That's how I feel. Unless Bennett really wants to play in Montreal it would take a massive overpay to get him here.

I agree, you need to carry 7D and Struble/Xhekaj are more likely suited to a bottom pairing role. Reinbacher should be top 4 IF he stays healthy and Mailloux will either be a top 4 (40 point guy) or a bust.

Yes, that brings back bad memories. Bob Gainey: Glen, I know you have a really bad contract. Why don't I take that contract off your hands AND I will throw in our best defense prospect Glen Sather: Am I dreaming??

Newhook has been working his tail off and has played with some heart. There is definitely a role for him on the team, just not as a 2C.

I much prefer Bennett, he will be turning versus 29 Tavares who will be turning 35. Leafs have a big decision to make. I think it will come to how much of a discount Tavares is willing to take to stay in Toronto. He has made good money in his career so I think he stays.

I don't know what else to say about Hutson, great skill, tremendous hockey IQ, great work ethic, a huge heart. If he doesn't win Rookie of the Year there needs to be an investigation.

Absolutely, he won't come cheap nor should he.

This is a great learning experience for Demidov seeing what tough physical playoff hockey is like. He will help but he needs to play with a center that can distribute the puck like he can.

Bennett would certainly tick a lot of boxes, somehow I think Florida will find a way to keep him. He will get a nice raise from someone. Florida also has to sign Ekblad but they may let him walk after trading for Seth Jones.

This series has shown (so far) that the Habs are headed in the right direction and there is much reason for optimism but there is still work to do. A 2nd line center and another big strong physical winger that can score are most likely at the top of Hughe's shopping list.

Unfortunately we have to deal with this guy for another 3 3/4 years.