Habsfan84

Great for Lehkonen! Two years in a row it was his OT winner that sent his team to the Stanley Cup Final. He is having a pretty good playoffs so far. 11 points in 14 games.

The one with Bettman is not really meant to be a presentation. Its videotaped for proof that the the lottery actually occurred and nothing went amiss. The one with Bill Daly on ESPN/Sportsnet is the presentation meant for TV. Still not that exciting though 😕

13-1-4-3 was our lucky combo for lottery balls. Whose getting that tattooed on their body?

In an ideal world a team dissappears from the 12-16 range. Would take a lot of stress away from the announcements knowing we didnt win but still draft #1. Very slim chances of that happening though. Most likely 3rd overall so anything outside of that would be great.

Brett Stapley opens up the scoring in the first game of the final four (Michigan vs. Denver). Technically still a prospect even if the plan is not to sign him. Game can be seen on ESPN2 Rhett Pitlick plays later tonight at 8:30pm (Minnesota vs Minnesota State). That game will be on ESPNU.

Uh-oh. Not a great start. Already down 2-0 and now killing a penalty. Just a tad bit embarrassing I would say.

Definitely a bit disappointing. Didnt seem like much urgency. Lazy play by Toffoli lets the Leafs clear the zone and shots from the point wont get it done

A) 35-38-5-3 (79 Points) B) 6th in Division C) 25th in League D) 21 Goals Not as optimistic about this season as last as I believe the D will struggle and we will miss Price at the start of the Season. Time for them to prove me wrong!

Definitely added some excitement. Was hoping for a four way tie as we were coming down to the end of the season. Hopefully the Jays can build off of this year and be back in the race next season.

Decision time Saturday coming up. I've been back and forth on this many times and I really don't know the right answer of whether to match or let him walk. It is an extremely tough decision to make. Where I struggle with is whether he will ever be a true second line player? To this point he has not shown that he is capable. He is still young however. For some reason he gives me Sean Couturier vibes. I think they are somewhat similar players and both were brought in at a very young age. At the start of Couturier's career he did not put up many points and really not until his seventh season did he break out. Today he is a very good defensive player who puts up just under a point per game that any team would take. This is the player I would like Kotkaniemi to become. I think you only match if one of these two scenarios: 1 - You think he has the potential to be a good second line player. The team should be the best judge as they have all the info on him and have seen him develop. 2 - You talk to Kotkaniemi and see what a long term contract would look like after this one year. If you have to go slightly higher then what Carolina is offering and its a reasonable cap hit then he's worth the risk. You'll get the sense of whether he will sign long term or if he'll expect the high 1 year qualifying number next year. My Prediction: The Habs let him walk and fill their needs with a trade. My Want: Match and hope he becomes Couturier.

Bettman finally congratulated us on reaching the final. Didn't do it during the Stanley Cup presentation like he usually does for the runner up. Seemed like this was something he was told to do since I'm sure there were some complaints.

Activity starting to pick up in the NHL: 1. Shayne Gostisbehere to Arizona as a salary dump 2. Alex Nedeljkovic to Detroit for a third and Jonathan Bernier's rights 3. Mike Smith 2 year deal with the Oilers Number two makes no sense to me. I understand the cap implications and arbitration for the Canes but he signed for 2 years at 3 million per year with the Wings. That is a pretty cheap contract for a young goalie who was third in Calder voting last year. Carolina finally found themselves a goalie and weren't willing to pay him. In my opinion you find a way to fit him into your cap situation especially seeing how much he signed for. Great trade for Yzerman and the Wings though.

Bergevin announced during his presser that Drouin is expected back next season. That is great news that he has dealt with whatever was keeping him out. Maybe some might not like it from a hockey perspective but from a well-being point of view you have to feel good for him. Myself personally I'm excited to have him back and can see him having a great season next year. Maybe 55-65 points. He showed pretty good chemistry with Suzuki last year.

One good thing for Cale Fleury is that he will get a chance to play with his brother as Haydn Fleury is the selection from the Ducks.

I think it was always between him or Kulak from Seattle's standpoint. Based on their selections they are planning on going for cheap contracts unless it's the guy they really want. It really is unfortunate that all these leaks are happening. Kind of adds no excitement for the reveal at 8pm. Same thing happened with Vegas though. You knew the team ahead of it.

Tampa Bay deserved it. They really are a great team with next to no weaknesses. I really like John Cooper as a coach. Such a well spoken individual who seemed like a genuinely nice guy. A hell of a run by the Habs that I'll always remember! Loved being the underdog and surprising all these teams. Price was amazing and showed that he is still a top goalie in this league.

For sure. He has been a ghost these playoffs. Must be injured but should be playing down the lineup at this point

Its certainly not over. One shot and this thing is tied up. Just need to start getting some zone time and odd man rushes

Missed a high stick on Toffoli and a clear interference on Suzuki. There has to be standard. They sure have it out for Perry as well.

Why did the ref blow the whistle there? Penalty on the Lightning but they never possessed the puck. Big powerplay coming up!

Time for the picks yet again! Mon - Byron TB - Joseph

How fitting that the three new additions to the lineup tonight were the first ones in to celebrate the goal. Has to feel good for them!

That goal lit fire under the Lighting. So far quite a few chances to start the third and Price having to come up big.

Repeat the effort we had in the second and we walk away with the series tied heading back to Montreal. That last second goal sure hurts but this game isn't over. Go get em!

Overall a pretty decent period for the boys. Hope they can keep it going. Definitely a wasted 4-3 at the end of the period with the wrong personal on the ice. See how they finish off the pp to start the second. Go Habs Go!