DON

Thanks. I didn't mean as a negative, just was more curious your opinion, as I know nothing about how many opposing teams are scouted nor how often. .

I thought Yotes were lucky to just hang around for a while, they were outplayed before the goal off a skate and after.

Smith would likely be a good choice for Olympics, but I still think Luongo/Price best options. nice shot!

2nd

Just keep shooting it usually pays off.

You keep saying Habs are scouting Aves a ton, what is most likely deal that Roy and Bergevin might be considering? Stastny for Plekanec "type-deal"? Or just minor deal?

Wouldnt hurt my feelings if either were traded; but, simply cant see them going anywhere this year, with the team doing fine and both are key players.

ORielly's fine and will be overpaid by someone, cant see him being a big upgrade offensively at all.. Briere has almost double the points as Toronto's big long-term signing in Clarkson, so go ahead Leafs sign ORielly for $5.5-6m for 7 years and should submarine Cup chances for another decade.

Parros was a low risk and pretty irrelevent addition, we are better without him or any goon. And Briere has 10 pts in 25 games, with a concussion tossed in and only playing 3rd/4th line minutes, so no big negative and 50 games still to play. Is boring to keep saying team is fine as is and doing quite well overall, but if want the real "Chicken Little" take, simply go to that Berkshire led blog and he will tell how bad this team really is.

Subban blocked 5 shots last game, or one before and that is something he wasnt doing before and showing maturity-increased effort on back end, the opposite of what you see from Karlsson who continues to turnover puck and be terribly weak defensively. Subban all-round game is improving, no matter who he is paired with, be it Gorges-Markov or Yemelin and dont really care who he is paired with, all 3 are fine choices. But Diaz-Markov were once a deadly pair on the PP, for short stint anyways. So, i still say, Subban and 4 forwards might be worth a try?

If Habs win 1 or 2 of last 3, will be 22-13 or 21-14, easily in playoff spot; which at the start of year I think many would of taken at X-mas break. I like Phoenix and think will be a good game.

Well, stuck with Briere now and just got to hope he does contribute over next 50 games and his experience is of some value in the playoffs?

I am sure the NHL owners noted the judgement in the NFL suit by the players and would like to avoid that loss of cash and liability. But boxing casualties are numerous and that sport still rolls on.

So, big question is are you willing to trade a 67-81-76-74-14-79-26-Tin-man-Beaulieu-Hudon-Collberg, "Quality" players/prospects, to improve offense/size/long term upgrade? Or just bit/low-value players for low value add ons? Like Diaz, Gionta, Bourque, DD, whos return is likely not worth mentioning and/or boring and not excite anyone.

Fighting is heavily promoted and sells and seen as "Manly" and not the childish bush-league act that it is, that is bottom line.

Habs 2nd in defense, 21st in offense. Does he try and address offense now with a "Hockey Trade" costing Habs a quality player/prospect in return for quality, do a deadline deal for rental, or be smarter and go for a no-strings atached off season signing of UFA?

Habs are 3rd place in the East, so doubt will see any knee-jerk reaction from Bergevin after couple losses. Could be worse if you happened to be a Detroit or Leafs fan.

Easy, retire and go back to school, get a masters in communications or something, would be smart move if he wants a ride out a good final 50 years of life. Go the Stu Grimson route and not Odjick.

Markov & Diaz and Subban & Yemelin would be fine regular pairings. And play Subban with 14, 21, 27, 11 on 1st PP and Markov/Diaz on 2nd unit. Simply to shake it up, especially on the PP. But as someone said, defense is not the weakest link on this team.

If Habs wernt 20-11 I might complain some, but, this team seems to be doing fine.

Kinda like picking whether I like Bruins or Leafs more. Both are fugly choices, but if I had to chose the least worst option; lil French fellow over the other.

Just win is name of game. Some entertainment value would be a bonus, but playing bums like Isles, Philly, Sabres, Panthers is hard to get motivated it seems. I will take a Dumont, White, Leblanc or Blunden as upgrade over any goon. Great to see Price get shutout, Eller, Gallagher and Galchenyuk played well and Subban/Markov with 8 blocked shot between them, nice to see. Luongo and Price must be top 2 goalies for Yzerman I would assume and Luongo would be starter if I had to pick between the 2.

Hudon and Mantha together again, H.Canada must of liked the combo from subway series (but any 2 players with Drouin would likely do well).

I realistically thought would be 10, but it was just so wrong, that even 20 games wouldn't of surprised me too much.

No, Markov would be destined for Boston, Rangers, Detroit, Chicago or some other contender or big market. And Kulikov would be a separate trade.