sim.on

I find Eller very frustrating but perhaps the extra patience is due to the extra difficulty in acquiring centres? I could definitely see Eller being traded as De La Rose takes his spot.

Maybe it was his hotel room? Just what the radio said....

TSN 690 reporting that Sekac was at Pleck's house playing FIFA when he heard about the trade.

TSN 690 reporting the trade. Smith-Pelly is more physical but a lower offensive ceiling, but who knows how much of that potential Sekac ever fufills. Personally not loving the trade but not hating it either. Time will tell.

Plek! So clutch.

Not sure the stats but I saw him get at least one.

Detriot vs. Montreal would be a fun playoff match up.

Gilbert brain dead with 11 seconds to go. Imagine if Philly scores on that.

How is playing Kane any disrespect to the player? If the injury was serious it would be in the best interest of the team and player to opt for the surgery right away. As far as I understand it, Kane was choosing to play. I doubt the team would or could force him into the lineup.

I wonder if Kane's sudden decision to have surgery is his final FU to the Jets?

I don't think MB will be trying to acquire Kane and hope he doesn't. From all accounts Kane has a terrible attitude and is the antithesis of a team player, not really the type of character player MB so highly values. Despite Kane's enticing combination of size and skill he has realized very little of his potential. Kane's career best is 30 goals (3 years ago) and his second best is 19 goals. From what he has show so far he is at best a 50-60 point guy when healthy and he could always be a cancer in the dressing room. I would not give up much for a guy like that with attitude problems because it is too much of a risk. IMHO chances are that he will continue to be a similar type of player rather than all of a sudden becoming a good team guy. Kane is going to be 24 this summer so there is not much time left to use the excuse that he is young and immature. If the price were low enough I'd take a chance on him but I don'd see Winnipeg moving him for a 2nd rounder and a B level prospect. Then comes the question of what if it all goes to shit for him again in a years time, will there be much interest in 2 more years of his 5.25 cap hit then? If Kane ever is going to fulfill his potential I think his chances are much better in a non-Canadian market where he can be out from under the microscope. As for Yakupov, he seems to be getting worse. 5 goals and a -24 in 52 games this season. Again only a fool would pay Edmonton anything they would ever accept for him so they might as well just hang onto him and hope he can somehow turn in around. At least in Yakupov's case he is still quite young and could turn it around. Hindsight is 20/20 but I'm thinking Edmonton should not have brought him into the NHL so fast. He could end up being one of the biggest bust in history. Lots of players from that draft doing much better than him so far.

It is only a 2 goal game and it is only the sabres. If the Habs keep playing like they have been in the second they should still be able to pull out the W.

Excited to see DLR play!

I really don't think Yandel is the type of D-man we need at this point, too similar to the entire top 4 we already have. If Emelin can get his game together (which I have seen at least some signs of) and everyone stays healthy our D is in decent shape. I feel like Emelin and Gilbert are an above average third pairing. The one D-man that worries me is Gonchar. I hope he will still be effective in the playoffs. He is a Vet though so that has to count for something. What we really need is that top 6 RW because we all know PAP and Weise are not the answers although they can be quite effective in other roles.

HW 3 Stars from last nights game. http://www.habsworld.net/article.php?id=3598

Weaver was really good in his role with us last season. He could be a big help if any long term injuries happened, especially in the playoffs. A little game action will let us know if he can still be a useful piece or if MB might want to deal him at the deadline. On the other hand this team was really counting on Emelin to be a contributing member of the D group's top 4, this could be a big problem long term if he can't get his game back on track. After the incident with Tinordi this past week it's a damn good thing that Beaulieu is working out.

I was really impressed with the Habs tonight, they played a hell of a game in what was the second of a back to back. I thought they thoroughly outplayed the Pens and for the most part limited Corsby and Malkin's chances. Subban and Markov were really good as was Beaulieu, he seams to be getting a little better with every game.

Why the fork can Crosby never get any top quality wingers to play with? Also, big measuring stick game tonight, should be a good one.

Can't take the Panthers for granted. They have 6 solid D-men an above average Goalie and some decent pieces up front. Bjugstad and Barkov could be a formidable 1-2 up the middle for years for them. The current 3rd line looks pretty legit too. Ekblad is second on the team in scoring only one point behind Bjugstad with 19 PTS in 33 GP. That is crazy, imagine how good he could be in 6 years when he's 24.

So now Patches is a passer and DD can shoot?

Way better 2nd period so far. Just have to put one in the back of the net now.

Bump

Hey, does anybody know if the Road to the Winter Classic shows are going to a available online (legally of course)? I think I saw that they could be streamed live from nhl.com but if you miss the live stream is that it? Thanks!

Leafs are going to win again tonight but again they are being badly out-shot. I wouldn't be surprised to see them in the playoffs but I don't think they're for real and I could just as easily imagine another Toronto collapse.

Some pretty slick passing on that second goal.