GHT120

Exactly ... AND ... it wasn't a major accomplishment to be the best Hab last night

I agree ... but at this point this year is all anyone is suggesting ... the overall defence is a matter for this summer ... not that I expect much to get done by Bergevin given the top 4 are all his choices, but it is a separate discussion for a different time.

If the "French issue" is a factor because Hunter (or any other candidate) is a uni-lingual Anglo, then bring in a French speaking President who can be the face of Habs management

Thinking of last night's game

Don't know if I am as confident about them being a team built for the playoffs ... it may benefit the defence but not certain there won't be a goal scoring dip come "clutch&grab" time ... but as of Monday they at least have legit NHL not suitable replacements to spell heavier minute defenceman

IMO it was TV ratings ... Rogers/Bell bought 75% of MLSE in 2012 ... they both carry games and jointly own Leafs Nation network ... winning draws more eyeballs than losing ... winning with stars draws more eyeballs than winning as a team After dumping Burke and missing the boat by hiring Dave Nonis as GM, in April 2014 they hired Shanahan as President to oversee the whole shop ... he insulates the GM from ownership and sets the course ... credit where credit is due, even when it is TO

Of course that was after months of rest and relaxation ... not a balls-out, fight for playoff position sprint ... the way they played in The Bubble in my opinion emphasizes the need to prioritize "load management" over scratching and clawing their way up the standings (other than guaranteeing the playoff spot).

But they have such GREAT leadership ... and this is NOT a shot at Weber, but rather the whole leadership core ... great leadership and team character shouldn't allow a team to be flat so often ... something is off, hopefully they can work it out by the playoffs

It will be interesting when teams begin to prepare their lists ... opportunity may knock ... but will anyone be potentially available that would be appreciably better than what the Habs have ... slightly better deck chairs in the Titanic are still deck chairs on the Titanic If the habs don't have a real good playoff it may well (likely will?) not be MB doing the GM'ing ... which in terms of rebuilding the D would be good ... Weber, Chiarot and Edmundson were to one degree or another significant acquisitions intended to play top 4 roles ... I doubt that Bergevin would/could walk away from any of his hand-picked pieces ... however, I could see Merrill re-signed as a 3rd pairing anchor if they can get him for a good contract, with one of Chiarot or Edmondson moved out to allow for a top 4 upgrade.

That is being polite

I would go with Cayden Primeau - KK - Caufield ... at least Cayden knows where the net can be found

I was just wondering if DD is forgetting to put out a centre when the face-off is in the habs end ... and when you are having that problem you can't afford to keep icing the puck

Apologies, but I don't get the "trading for a UFA" reference ... I believe Seattle will have a window between the declaration of the protected lists and expansion draft to sign UFAs ... that player would be considered their selection from his old team ...

True ... but that does give Seattle a shot at them before actual free agency

Slightly better than Romanov-Leskinen ... unless Chiarot is back for Friday or Saturday it is what the Habs have for now until Merrill and Gustafsson join them in Edmonton

IF all this is true, although Dredger and Friedman are legit journalists (i.e., not Eklund or Hockey30), the I think it speaks to the urgency Bergevin feels to succeed this season.

Unless they very quickly pass Edmonton, and do so by enough to lock down third place it will interfere with any sort of of resting players to prepare for the playoffs ... which I think is more important than avoiding Toronto ... especially as the Jets are no pushovers either.

That would be ideal ... but how much of the candle gets burned to do that?

The first step is Ouellet goes out (and back to Laval once the newbies join the team) ... then, if Kulak is playing well (last night was good but just one game) it could be Romanov, or a rotation of some sort.

And Gallagher had 36 AHL games of pro prep because he came up in the lockout season.

As the cap is no longer an issue come the playoffs I expect it will disappear ... but if they go the "bubble" format for the playoffs to try and protect the players and better ensure games are played then there may again be a roster limit (think it was 28 last Fall).

I expect Merrill will get regular duty but Gustafson (along with Kulak once Chiarot is back) will allow Ducharme to give Weber in particular, but others as well, a game or two off without having to rely on Mete, Ouellet or Leskinen to fill-in somewhere (don't expect it will be a straight in&out, pairings could get shuffled) ... might not be ideal for winning as many games as possible but once they are truly satisfied they are in the playoffs it will be time to prepare for the playoffs ... Poehling, Blandisi and Lavalagher might even get a game or two if the cap allows ... last game against Toronto would seem perfect for Poehling

While Anderson scores the game-winning goal ... Domi freaks out Called for a hook, a cross-check and a 10 minute misconduct ... in about 10 seconds of play

Likely in the playoffs ... but it all depends on the five games against Calgary ... Flames take 4 of those and things get tight ... with Calgary playing Ottawa and Vancouver 6 times before the end of the season

Not top 5 IMO ... might be good for 3-on-3 if you could change the game roster before O/T starts ... problem is he has to play, or at least sit on the bench, for the first 60 minutes