dlbalr

It probably could go in the Prospects section but I'll put it here anyways. Today, the Habs signed Cornell d-man Brendon Nash to a 2 year, entry level deal starting in 2010. No ideas on the $$ received, it'll take a bit of time to get that info. 19 points in 33 games this season. http://twitter.com/habsworld_net/status/11326472422 http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=83846 (Pretty consistent, 2 goals for 4 straight years). Management should be a little familiar with him as he was at the rookie/orientation camp back in July, must have liked what they saw.

Great news! Where's the dancing banana when you need it?

6-8 weeks per the Gazette, that'd put him on pace for a 2nd round return if all went well, 3rd round otherwise. Should the FB declaration be a hidden sign that even the organization doesn't think the Habs have a chance? (Yes, it's another quiet day...) http://www.montrealgazette.com/news/Metrop...3848/story.html

This was in the Hamilton Spectator the other day, came up for a bit of discussion on the Bulldog forums. Rather than re-type a comment, I'll just "borrow" what I posted there: It's been rumoured before, and there's still all sorts of uncertainty with the Phoenix situation arising once more - irregardless, the team will be in Hamilton next year unless the Coyotes go to the Steel City first. http://www.thespec.com/Sports/article/743513

Hard to estimate since I don't have too many specifics on the clauses within the deals. We have about $85,000 that will come off no matter what (guys like Carle, Weber, etc who were called up but didn't hit their bonuses). I still say about half of Price's 'A' bonuses won't be hit (so about $425,000 there, no idea on the 'B' ones. I'm not sure Pyatt will hit all of his, nor Sergei Kostitsyn, and I know Maxwell when he was down was projected to miss some of his. In the end, the cumulative deduction could be anywhere from $500,000 to I suppose the ~ $1.3 mil we're currently over.

Yep, 4 recalls per team max (Article 13.12(l)(i)). We're at 2 currently, both Maxwell and have healthy scratches at both positions. I think they'd be safe sending one of Maxwell/Pyatt down if they're concerned about the limit, though probably not both until closer to season's end.

Quiet day and no more games for 2 more days, so we need to find something to talk about. So, the new line combos from today: Cammalleri - Plekanec - A. Kostitsyn Darche - Gomez - Gionta Moen - Moore - Pyatt Pouliot - Lapierre - S. Kostitsyn If nothing else, I like the balance and the fact the 4th line has some scoring potential. Unfortunately, given Martin's propensity to roll 3 lines, that may be negated somewhat. Also interesting to note that Bergeron's not in there nor on the D pairings, though La Presse's lines had Maxwell-Bergeron as a 4th defence pairing. (On that note, can Maxwell please go back to Hamilton already? We're wasting cap space and the Bulldogs are undermanned to the extent that they can't ice a full lineup). 2 games of note tonight on the scoreboard watch, Atlanta hosts Carolina while the Bruins host Buffalo.

Thanks for the report. Of the players you listed, only Lacroix is not under contract with the Habs (and I don't think he'll be any time soon actually). Palushaj is ours from the D'Agostini deal.

What's sad is that the reports are now saying to be re-evaluated tomorrow, so this may be premature.

Metropolit is out 2 weeks with a separated shoulder which means one of Lapierre/Darche will be back in for the next game.

It was down, though I don't know when it went down or came back up. (I know it was down from 9-10 PM at the very least). If anyone can expand the timeline (more accurate time of when it went down/came back online), please let me know as we do try and track this.

Bruins win, Flyers lose, both in regulation. Could be worse I suppose.

You may not be a big Calgary fan, but we've gotta cheer for them in this one, the Habs need Boston to lose. At least Philly's down in the 2nd.

I think the biggest difference between Pyatt and Lapierre is that the former knows his role while the latter either doesn't or isn't willing to conform to that role (which granted has changed a lot). When I watch Lapierre, I see several different versions - the one who plays physical, the one who tries to bring the offensive game to the table, and the one who doesn't seem to much of anything out there. Stability is key for Martin and Lapierre for whatever reason hasn't provided it; with Pyatt, you know what you're going to get, there's not a lot of variation between the high and low end of his play. Although a lot of us question some of Martin's decisions, Lapierre can't be completely absolved of the blame either (nor is it on him completely) - he isn't bringing the same play he was last year when he was quickly becoming a core part of the team on a consistent enough basis. Lapierre certainly could benefit from a change of scenery; although some may want Boucher up soon, it ain't happening. There's too much of a cost (coming out of Molson's pockets) when you consider 2 head coaches are already being paid. If I were a betting man, Lapierre will be dealt before there's a coaching change - my gut tells me he will not be with the Habs by training camp. On a game note, the Devils can clinch the playoffs tonight, a little motivation on their part.

No White for this one, he was suspended yesterday for instigating a fight in the final 5 minutes last game. http://theahl.com/ahl-announces-suspensions-p141657

The only issue I've really noted with him so far (and this is only from limited viewing/listening) is that he's not particularly opportunistic. He's missed several easy chances thus far, but I'm sure a lot of that can be attributed to the fact he is a rookie and playing on a new team. He has some good assets to bring to the table, but he'll be a work in progress for a couple more years at least I'd think.

If you're planning to head to the games, care to give us a scouting report on some of the prospects?

Interesting fight near the end of the game, White vs Maxwell. I must admit, I did a double take before realizing it was Tom Maxwell. Masse and Conboy with the other goals, the latter is really on a roll right now, good to see after being held off the Clear Day list.

Bulldogs lead 5-1 in the 3rd, goals by Trotter (2), Palushaj, Weber, and Russell. Bishop is playing and is wearing #42, no points so far. He replaces Anderson in the lineup. Desjardins in goal for Hamilton. http://theahl.com/stats/game-summary.php?game_id=1007089

Bulldogs lost 3-2, Sanford with the loss in goal. That's about all I remember from the gamesheet which I only looked at briefly yesterday.

Theoretically, yes. That being said, it'd be a huge shocker if the Bulldogs were ousted before the Habs - they're poised for at least a trip to the 3rd round if not the finals bearing a huge collapse.

Hopefully more with their new stadium, although all the more reason to be surprised on them breaking the bank yet again with this deal.

Ends 2-1, no 3-point game. Sucks for me in the pool though (Lundqvist with the L).

A lot of Montreal's US picks are in the later rounds anyways though which negates that point. Don't take them early on, don't take them later...when can we take them? Personally, I'd rather take more US players late than local Q guys, even if you have had a better shot at scouting them more frequently.

Russell scores into an empty net with 2.9 seconds left to win it 5-3! 3 game losing streak vs Lake Erie is over now. Even better, the magic number to clinch the division is down to 1 point, could happen tomorrow night. http://theahl.com/stats/game-summary.php?game_id=1007049