DON

But at optional skate, Markov is out there. So maybe he is 100% fine and wants the workload? But, I wouldn't play him over 20:00 if possible. And a scratch tomorrow, and/or next Thurs vs Isles may be a good idea? so, I guess I agree 100%

Wont listen to game anyways, is glorified exhibition game. The, as some predict, 'ugly' AHL game may be more entertaining. Was nice to see Flames beat Tampa yesterday.

For what is worth, @ +1, the lil fellow was the only + top 6 forward vs Sens last year. While; Galchenyuk looked scared shitless in that series (-4), Gallagher was totally useless @ -7 and Plekanec was -5 (I know I know #14 always vs top line and asked to do a lot). So, on its face DD may be a OK in playoffs?, he was over 1PPG in AHL (27pts in 25 games), so we will need to wait and see, Briere is a small dude and starred in post season. DD was counted out by all in the fall and made everyone eat crow. He deserves benefit of doubt don't you think?

He has more skill and NHL level skating for sure and didn't look out of place in last call up; but a defenseman needs to primarily defend and that is his weak suit. Hope he does great, but I wouldn't rather see Tinordi in every game for next decade (screw the odd braincramp he will make, all d-men have em once in a while)

But, you are perspicacious eh. Ottawa gives up lots of goals, so heres hoping some Hab forward, besides 1st line dudes, can have a big game and Budaj shuts em down.

3 games is fine. I still don't mind a hit like that as much as running d-men from behind, or gentle shoves from behind 5-10 feet from boards, which put a player off balance and really cause more injuries than any other. Cant comment on Chara without 29 losing it, but good on Lucic for smoking Miller, was a clean hit (charging if anything); but, any frickin goalie who goes wandering should be fair game. They got more padding than anyone and carry a big stick if need be.

Yes, he seems to do well with limited minutes. A soft expensive 4th line vet. But it is Molson's $, so that should be fairly irrelevant, but he has done well in the past playoffs and I hope you are correct, as Habs (and any team I suppose) could use a bit of balanced scoring.

Just another good prospect write up dlbalr. Why Beaulieu over Pateryn called up? Looking for more speed and puck movement I suppose and Pateryn is too much like a Weaver-Gorges? Or is it that Pateryn still isn't physical enough?

Beaulieu's shining -17 and weaker offense is what sold em.

How badly will Reway light up Fucale in that series?

Habs are deeper and healthier (or should be?) this year than last and you cant discount impact Vanek adds. So, got to say Habs should be favoured, but not by much. Last year Plekanec-Subban-Galchenyuk-Bourque led offense in 1st round, who will it be this year?

Conner Crisp got his 1st AHL game under his belt and another 20 yr old, Brady Vail also suited up for Dogs yesterday. Crisp was physical but both had limited action (to be expected in 1st game). However, 21 year old Sven Andrighetto continues to play solid offense and sniped another sweet goal and sits at 16goals-40points in 57 games. Just too bad he missed 12games in Nov/Dec with injury, but still looking very good in rookie year.

He seems to do just as well with limited minutes. And as soft defensively as he is, spot duty likely safest.

4th line minutes seemed. They started with Nattinen and finished game with Leblanc as 3rd linemate. Vail had uneventful game, cept serving 2 too many men penalties. Crisp tossed big hit or two and mixed it up a bit. But, Dumont was most active of all, had running battle with Ben Eager and worked for his goal. Mayer was scary, but did make a lot of saves. Beaulieu again turnover puck on PP for breakaway, but had speed to catch up and got called for borderline penalty shot (D.W. said). (Not to totally dump on him; but, just noticed Beaulieu passed Tarnasty, in 15 fewer games, and now is -17 and 2nd only to St.Pierre (-19))

Barons score on 5th-7th shooter and Win Dumont missed Andrighetto scored, THEN, Holland, Beaulieu, Blunden, St. Pierre, Thomas all miss. http://theahl.com/stats/game-summary.php?game_id=1012124

Dumont works hard and get a Gallagher-type goal. 4-3 Dogs 4minutes left in 3rd and Barons score, 4-4 Leblanc-Vail-Crisp had couple shifts, Crisp being bit physical. Dumont has been feisty all game. Holland with goal-3 shots (good for him) I think I heard Beaulieu mentioned couple times, but Pateryn-Ellis had better games again. Andrighetto up to 16g-40pts in 57games. Nice year, too bad he got injured in Nov. Off to OT. Now Shootout time. Dogs 4-4 in shootouts.

Snapshot off the rush, from right faceoff circle and Swiss Kid snipes a nice goal, 3-3 (#2 assisted). Mayer caught lollygagging, while out playing puck. He makes things interesting. (same thing happens again couple minutes later, leaves wide open net)

Pateryn accidently bumps Mayer and 3-2 Barons. Been mostly playing Crisp-Vail on same line, with mix of Tarnasty, MM and Nattinen so far. Crisp already mixing it up with Davidson.

Dumont has disagreement with Ben Eager, 2minutes each. 5 minutes into 2nd and Barons score 4 on 4 goal, 2-2 And 2nd too many men penalty for Dogs. dumb dumb. gave up 16 shots in 1st period. Vail gets to serve his 2nd bench penalty of game.

Holland deaks out Bachman and 2-1 Dogs. Nice to see Holland is still alive/kicking.

So Salo, Brewer, Hedman, Gudas are fleet afoot are they? Charles Hamelin's they are not and many d- are slow'ish' but smart and can overcome speedy forwards. I wouldn't even give Tampa's forwards a noticeable speed advantage neither (but never compared em too closely).

Dogs take too many men penalty early. Mayer drops way too early, another soft goal over him (same as the 2 he gave up last game). and down 1-0 Schiestel catches all off guard and shot from point goes in, 1-1 (44-20 assisted). Beaulieu gives up SH breakaway and penalty shot for tackle.. Mayer makes a save.

Vail & Crisp make Dog roster for this game.

If you are gonna travel to other coast for game, you hope to see a bit of fiestyness no doubt! 1st round series tend to be quite 'spirited' affairs. (Conner Crisp supposed to play his 1st AHL game today, we are all hoping he may turn out to be a Prust-type and help add to Bergevin's 'culture-change' in couple years)

Conner Crisp tweeted he is playing tonight. Vail also??