DON

Tinordi with "good" fight in the 1st

Not sure what stats are for, say kids picked in first 3 rounds, and how NCAA vs CHL vs SHL vs KHL have panned out, I am sure somewhere that stat can be found? But, I don't care, lots of solid NHLers come from everywhere and I just sort of singled out a couple I "like", that reports/stats from U18 and other tourny's are favourable and McKenzie has slotted for 15-45 range. And may actually be BPA in Habrange (14th -24th) in 5 months.

I was a big fan of Obyrne, Weber (who actually seems to be getting icetime with Canucks), Belle, Valentenko, Carle and other d-men that were busts, so my track record sucks. But, will see if I am wrong again.

I think Bergevin said, in off-season, that teams were mostly inquiring about Eller and Bourque last year. 100% truthful? or maybe I misremember, but that stuck me as odd even last year?

I saw lots of him with Tri-city and he seemed a stand out almost every game; manning point on PP, key on the PK, set-up man, smart with puck and good defensively, but I don't recall him being aggressive nor taking puck hard to the net and likely his PIMs were due to simply playing so much? Hopefully he can turn season around and start chipping in on offense.

Best eh? Pacioretty is terribly weak on defense and backchecking (will do it when feels like it, but his main weakness), so Plekanec it is.

But, you must admit he also could be a bigger & better (with puck) version of Gorges.

I think Beaulieu may be part of answer, as we saw with his 'Subban-like' stretch pass to Pacioretty. His speed and puck skills may be a real boost in moving puck up ice ( as long as all realize he will have egregious turnovers and some giveaways, but normal and all part of learning curve).

Now, if Murray and Subban actually are played together today, the shitstorm caused by 'Murray-haters' out there, should be quite vocal and humorous to see overreaction. But, quite an 'interesting' combo for sure.

Maybe PK is tired of being the #6 d-man on the PK?

Was not excited, but in rereading it, I can see that reads that way. I am not a big fan of Therrien and am surprised how well he has done, or moreso how I am not as displeased with him as I thought I would be. Sure, he and staff make some odd selections (Yemelin on wrong side, Diaz scratchs. etc) but likely no-more than most NHL teams who breakup lines/combos and d-pairing often over 82 games. And what I getting at was that, given French mandatory, Therrien not mismanaging too badly, team in playoff spot and a firing just aint gonna happen anytime soon.

Agree and he has been asked to be more physical. I just hope he is given a chance to play more than 10minutes in a few games.

Poor Bernier pulled after 3 goals vs Dallas and sad to see Leafs losing 7-1.

Would like to argue a bit about forwards, but got nothing, seems bang on to me. NHL players with few penalties, Kyle Weldwood, J Jagr, both soft non-checking players and I guess Holland likely will always be more a perimeter player, whom I thought would be a 45+point guy this year in Hamilton.

Yup, even as a 16 year old, he was all-round tough/gritty player. And likely gone by 15th, still 5 more months and many games till draft so still just a wild stab. Last year couldn't of guessed Shinkaruk & Mantha would be in the 20s. And Shinkaruk went just before Habs picked, which was a bummer (didn't think Timmins would of ever skipped him at 25 and thought he was gonna be a Hab when still available after 23rd pick) I see Bergevin's type, ranked 19th by Jughead Bob McKenzie in, 6'4" 213lb RW for USNTDP Alex Tuch. Jake Glover (44), a big USNTDP d-man is an early favourite of mine, as is Adrian Kemp(27)-LW-Swede and Nick Schmaltz(25)-C-USHL, all who may fall in 20-25th range.

Such as? And which big upgrade coach, that Molson/Politicians will approve of hiring, do you think is realistic or even on Bergevins radar? The Tampa retread? Would he put Yemelin on left side and call up the Tin-man and all will be rosy? With just 1 all-star forward at present, would need to mortage future to make real change, or simply wait till summertime (smartest route to go, I think).

More like a 4th and what would you accomplish? to bump up Drewiski for playoff on playoff depth chart, if that is what you want, then sure? Boullion is a fine experienced/character, depth d-man (that I have always been a fan of), which can be invaluable "if" happen to make 2nd round or farther. Unless getting a 2nd round pick (or better) for Markov-Diaz, and only if they are looking for too much in a new contract, cant see any other d being shopped. Malhotra, Ott or other centreman may be what Bergevin may look to add, but sellers wont want older players like #55.

Fun? Odd take on that, but Habfans are an odd bunch I suppose.

Agree, and I still see most of fan frustrations as more unrealistic "lofty" expectation related. When no one picked Habs to contend and at best squeak into playoffs, which is more realistic. I know some are calling for team to tank, fire the GM, fire the coach, trade 1/2 the team; but aint happening.

Because he is a bit of showboat, eggs opponents on with chirping, is visibly easy for opposing fans to recognize, as well as being a star player who is a game changer when playing well. So is almost more a sign of respect (for lack of better word), as Reggie Jackson said "They don't boo Nobodies!" But, is very common in sports and non-issue.

All 4 players who failed to show up in Pitt, 76-79-31-67 (till last 10minutes) are all headed to Sochi. Simply coincidence? A game off for 79, to reflect/rest/heal-up may be in order? Therrien move to put 55-6 both in game, seems was very unpopular pre-game, but both were solid.

Seems it was the perfect move, just 79-76-31-67 (till last 10minutes) forgot to show up to play. But both Murray and Boullion played very well, so credit goes to coachs for that and Beaulieu also played well, so again good on coachs.

Musta hurt giving Mayer a 'B' grade. But good breakdown of dogs d Brian.

Likely many fans I would assume? Got to give the big fellow props for a good game. Gallagher, Bourque, Briere, Boullion and several others played fine as well. Got beat by tough opponent.

Well Leblanc, Bournival and Beaulieu all looked fine, Beaulieu bit clumsy (nerves) but he can skate and good offensively.