Habs Fan in Edmonton

Wow!! Slaf has turned into such a beast. Love that contract now. They won despite a terrible power play.

I think they have to start thinking longer term as they won't have a 27 or 28 pick if they hang on to the one this year.

I believe if Florida finishes bottom 10 (likely now) they keep their 1st round pick so the organization is not worried about wins right now.

Agree with this, he works hard and checks well. I like his work ethic. He hasn't produced much offensively but I wasn't expecting much so not disappointed.

They just didn't have it tonight, especially the 1st 2 periods. It happens, they have played a lot of hockey.

Yes, we are in, guaranteed!!! Not that there was much doubt before but nice when it's official.

Detroit losing 4-1 to Minny. A Detroit loss in regulation or overtime and the Habs are officially guaranteed a playoff spot.

Exactly!

It seems like a desperation move, very much hoping for that new coach bounce.

I am not so sure home ice is an advantage. Have you seen the Habs road record this year?

Yeah not really egregious. LOL The bottom line for me is that now that a playoff spot is pretty much secured, it's time to give up top 4 D a little less ice time. Time to give Struble, Engstrom, Arber a little more playing time.

I didn't check his actual time before I made my post. It would have been more accurate to say he played more than he usually does rather than "a lot". An egregious error on my part.

He still works his ass off every shift. He was noticeable tonight. Hopefully he can get some results, maybe in the playoffs?

Yup, Buffalo has clinched but the Habs haven't because of the RW tiebreaker. Habs need 1 more point or some of those teams with 88 to lose a point to officially clinch. It's coming.

Agree on all points. Arber did play a lot and it's not a bad idea this time of year to give the top 4 a few less minutes. Caulfield seems to be able to score without people trying to feed him. He will get 50 without special treatment. It takes away from the team play when they are intentionally trying to feed him and the other teams will adjust. The last part of the 2nd period was UGLY but they have had a great trip. Onward.

Fair point, a good player agent brings some excellent skills to the table especially in this salary cap world.

Perhaps, Knies would be a fantastic addition but fantastic additions don't come cheap. It would be hard to give up Hage given the family circumstances, he always wanted to be a Hab, he speaks French, he will be cheap for a while etc BUT Knies is awesome and more proven. It would likely take Hage plus but who knows.

That is a great rant. I watched the Pelley press conference (ok I was a little bored) and it was a little embarrassing. What does Michael Hage have to do with the Leaf's failure???? Sheesh I am glad this guy is not the CEO of the Habs, he has no clue.

One thing for sure, it's been a while since a Montreal Canadien team has been this much fun to watch. Hughes has done an outstanding job. The long term contracts he has the key players on are phenomenal. I know I am stating the obvious but sometimes you just have to sit back and enjoy where they are compared to a few years ago. The future here is so much brighter than that other hockey city.

Playoffs pretty much guaranteed now, just a question of how high they finish.

That's what I was thinking and he could bring in Therrien to coach.

Another massive win, playoff odds showing the Habs at a 97.3% chance to make the playoffs. Sounds good to me.

Another big win, the Habs were the much better team tonight. Playoffs getting closer.

I know you are joking a bit but I could see Pickford as a pretty good winger. He has a phenomenal shot, doesn't mind the rough stuff and is a pretty good skater. Arber on the left wing, Florian at centre, the makings of a great 4th line??

This will be a tough one as most of them are this time of year. Bowness has done an amazing job since taking over.