illWill

I'm a big Reinbacher believer, and he is literally exactly what we need on D. He very well could get called up and stabilize the pairings anytime now.

My guesses in no particular order are: Nico Hischier Dylan Strome Elias Petterson (retained salary obv) Matty Beniers Filip Hronek Anton Lundell Mason McTavish

Why do those pairings look so terrible?

My two favorite things in hockey coming together tonight; cheering for the Habs and cheering against the Leafs

Slafkovsky was asking for the puck well before he scored. That was him flipping a switch and making things happen

Agreed. I feel like he is extremely undervalued in the sense that he can be a game changer with his shot alone. I'm also quite interested in seeing where his game is at these days, we really only had 5 games this year to evaluate. He didn't look good at all but I wonder if whatever injury he was gone for was part of the reason.

Thanks. I went on trying to look up expected goals against for a Lacombe shot from the point but can't seem to find it. Not sure if it considers wide open shots with no screens on both of the goals, so it would be interesting comparing the two.

What's the expected goals against for a Gudas shot from the blue line?

If Caufield, Demidov, and Hutson are any indication, we might be able to learn a lot about Hage in the last handful of games this season. Whether we can determine his position or not is another story, from what I understand the main concern there are his faceoffs, which can be further developed. I'm more so interested in knowing whether he can play effectively at this level in a top 6 role. Also whether people care about his story or not, I believe that it does add value to having a player who has dreamt about playing for his and his Dad's favorite team. Our management group has prioritized having players that want to play in Montreal and Hage would certainly qualify as such. Good point, Blues may have said to him that they are tearing it down to the studs and it's up to him if wants to stick around for the rebuild. It's just so odd because these types of players only become available if there is some sort of friction or contract situation.

I'm with you, we need to at least see what this guy can do in a Habs jersey before shipping him off. If things line up that could be as soon as a month from now. And for any potential Thomas deal, it's not just Hage we are talking about, it's other premiums assets as well. I'm also weary about why the Blues would consider trading him if he is so good, young, and on a great contract.

Not sure why, probably related to some sort of mental illness

It is nice having an elite goal scorer Those Washington helmets are pissing me off

The disallowed goal was horrible rebound control, we got lucky that it was offside. The first goal was a wrister from the top of the circle, he was too deep in his net and had bad technique. The fourth goal was a bad read, Pageau didn't have many options cutting in from the boards at that speed. The puck was on edge for the second goal and the third goal was a deflection in front so I don't blame him on those. Conversely, I can't believe people are still defending Montembault at this point in the season. His numbers are absolutely awful in every category and he has lost more games than he has won, which is incredible for a team that is 7th in the NHL.

Every single person knew that Pageau was going five hole there except for Montembault apparently

You just said it, we have 4 Cs in the lineup atm, Suzuki, Kapanen, Danault, and Evans. What is Veleno doing out there? It was justified before Danault was reacquired and while Evans was out, but what is his purpose now? The odd faceoff? Good fella off the ice? I'm legit looking for a reasonable answer. Sammy Blais has double the production in half of the time. He also hits like a truck and serves a particular purpose. I don't usually care too much about players on the waiver wire but this one has me puzzled.

Demidov created a grade A chance in the slot until his stick was slashed and broken, no call. Jake Evans mauled on the way to the net and crashing into the boards, no call. Quinn Hughes getting a call when Hutson dove at the puck and Hughes still got the shot off and the play was dead. Weak call on Danault in OT, a one handed "hook" where he immediately released the stick and didn't impede Kaprisov's chance whatsoever. No call on Suzuki in OT. Whether that should be a penalty or not, that exact call has been made against the Habs multiple times this year, Hutson literally got just called for it recently without even touching the guy for example. We are all mostly biased yes, but there are certainly examples of egregious calls or non-calls in this game against us.

Now that Evans is back and we picked up Danault, there is no reason why Blais shouldn't be in the lineup over Veleno

It always seems to be a wild ride with Dobes in net, but the boys seem to score for him and he keeps getting wins

With Dobes in net I'm calling a 5-4 Habs win in OT

Agree, but on the other hand, there is a scarcity of 1C/2C level players out there that would be available for a rookie goalie.

To say that we wouldn't want the reigning MVP of the league when our goaltending has been brutal this year is quite the statement. Regardless, Friedman is reporting that the Wild are looking to trade Wallstedt for a center. I wonder if any of our borderline 2Cs + could get a deal done.

Screw it, to put the goaltending controversy to bed To Winnipeg: Jacob Fowler, Kaden Guhle, and Kirby Dach To Montreal: Connor Hellebuyck

Gotta keep it now, maybe I'll make one that says 18-19 runner up haha

If we were to trade Hage before he plays a game with us, we would deserve all of the bad karma that would come our way

Every dog has its day! P.S. I'm still salty about your 18/19 season prediction win over me in a tie breaker, but it's hilarious that you're still rocking it on your posts