Habs Fan in Edmonton

I wish you would make your feeling clear about Drouin rather than beating around the bush.

I care about a few things; Leafs lose, Florida loses and living in Edmonton is a lot more fun with the Oilers doing well so with the Habs gone I will cheer for the Oilers although I understand why many don't like the Oilers since they have had more #1 picks than any team deserves. I will be very surprised if the Leafs don't take out Tampa but I will never underestimate Tampa and Cooper is one smart coach, he seems to be able to push the right buttons when he needs to.

Sure they are but governments are always running deficits and need money so I understand why they want a piece of the action. I would think Gretzky and McDavid have the financial clout to pick and choose who they support.

Maybe this is just me but I see all these commercials for sports gambling sites and I ask myself. Do Gretzky and McDavid really need the money that they would promote gambling? I know many people including myself might gamble once in a while but it's a real problem for some people.

I have read many mock drafts where Smith and Benson are 5 and 6 so you would think that Benson is a guy the Habs have scouted thoroughly. The reports I read love Benson's work ethic.

I keep thinking back to the 2003 draft when Anaheim got Getzlaff at 19 and Perry at 28 so 2 studs is certainly possible. That was a huge draft for them. You need your scouting staff to bring their "A" game and a little luck.

True, ownership would have to be onside and I would think Crosby will have a big say in his future.

Taking over this job will be tough for anyone given the aging core. I think it has to be someone with the cahones to do a complete rebuild.

There is no way Drouin signs for the league minimum anywhere. He is still young enough and talented enough that someone will take a chance for more than the league minimum. I wouldn't be surprised at all if gets 1.5-2.0 million a year from someone, hopefully not us. We judge Drouin harshly (same with Gallagher) because he has underperformed relative to his contract which is fair.

Not a crazy scenario at all. You have to think that the Penguins will be nowhere close to being contenders in a couple years and they will be looking to move veterans.

Agree 100%. If we had known when we traded Chiarot that the pick would be #17 overall in a good draft year we would have been very happy. Having said that we need to hope Florida doesn't surprise in the playoffs.

We have a little more certainty with the Hab's first round picks. With their own pick it will be 1,2,5,6 or 7 (Let's dream, come on #1) With Florida's pick it will be 17 or from 29-32. I can't believe I will be cheering for Boston in the 1st round of the playoffs.

A good result plus Carolina wins so we draft 17th with Florida's pick unless they can pull off 2 upsets.

Yes, unless they want to pad their record I expect the Bruins to rest some key players. The Habs have played the Bruins tough all year anyway so a Hab victory is not out of the question.

No question they will be looking for a win here. They lose to Florida tonight and they likely play the Rangers in the 1st round. Who wants that.

It would be nice if the Arizona's last game was before the Habs last game and then if they won I could actually cheer for the Habs tonight. Go Carolina tonight!!

A good result. Now Florida has to beat Carolina to avoid playing Boston and it's a big game for Carolina.

The Habs definitely need to lose this one. In regulation! No more points this year.

Let's hope it's that one.

We don't know that the Habs aren't pursuing. I think it's a case of Hughes checking the price but doesn't want to overplay his hand at this point as he can afford to wait. We all assume Dubois wants to play for the Habs and he probably does.

That is a tough question for Pittsburgh. Crosby, Malkin, Carter, Letang, Petry will all be at least 36 next year. That is a pretty old core and I don't see how a core that age can carry you through 4 tough playoff rounds. I think Pittsburgh has a very bleak future unless they make some tough decisions. I think a lot depends on what Sid wants.

I knew you would be back. These boards just wouldn't be the same without you. Welcome back!!

They can play Boston if the Islanders jump ahead of Florida. I agree with your odds. Carolina is limping into the playoffs. I wouldn't be surprised at all if Florida took them out if they play them. Losing Svechnikov was a huge blow for the Hurricanes as elite scorers are very handy come playoff time.

Unfortunately where the Florida pick falls became a little clearer tonight. It will be 17,18,29,30,31 or 32. Hopefully 17 or 18. Give them credit, they fought hard to get back in the race and could pull a surprise in the playoffs.

I wonder what NHL team will be cheering really hard for the Habs tomorrow night. Actually there will be two of them cheering for the Habs, one a little harder than the other.