dlbalr

Did anyone notice Ryder played just 1 shift in the 3rd? He wasn't hurt either.

I doubt it to be honest. He has over 100 games of experience in the league, teams know who he is and what his style is, one game after sitting for that long shouldn't change much. Bouillon looked uncomfortable back on his off-side against the Islanders, Weber playing lets him go back to his more comfortable side. If this is a showcase game, I hope other GM's/scouts aren't watching.

He already did during the one commercial break. I suspect he won't have much of a voice after tonight. As for Weber, I wouldn't be surprised (or upset) if he was nailed to the bench for the 3rd. He made a soft, panicky play that led to Bowman's goal and on his next shift, turned it over to Staal for the penalty shot. I absolutely sympathize with him, it's hard to be in game shape and make the right reads when you haven't played in over 6 weeks but right now, I don't think the Habs can trust him out there.

Tonight is game #700 for Francis Bouillon (what a reward, being paired with a player who has been a healthy scratch 22 times out 23 this season).

I think Ryane Clowe is this year's Dustin Penner - struggling and ridiculously overhyped. His teammate Scott Gomez has scored more goals (1) than he has this year. So based on my evaluation of what Clowe would be worth, I'd call Kristo an overpayment. In terms of what the market will inevitably bear, it wouldn't be enough. Kristo shouldn't have to jump to the NHL right away so they can keep both him and Gallagher around for now. As for Archambault, I certainly wouldn't be upset if he didn't sign but given that the Habs will have quite a few contract slots open next year, there's a real case to be made to take the chance with him. He would be eligible to go back to the QMJHL for his overage year if there are concerns that he isn't ready to make the jump yet.

In a word, no. Why do the Habs part with legitimate value for a player whose contract makes him one of the least desirable trade commodities in the league? This is the Gomez deal, Part 2.

Re-alignment has been approved by the NHLPA meaning that it's pretty much a rubber stamp process now for the owners to approve it for next season. The top three teams in the Habs' new division (with Boston, Buffalo, Detroit, Florida, Ottawa, Tampa Bay, Toronto) are guaranteed to make the playoffs while the top two teams in points not in the top three in their division will be wildcards. Statistically, the playoffs will be easier to make out West (8/14 get in) than the East (8/16). I'm surprised the PA agreed to this. It will be in affect for 2 years and then the issue will be revisited.

Neither are with the team at the moment from the sounds of things so they're out for the next 3 games at least. I read somewhere that Diaz was IR'ed but that's a mere formality at this point as it would have been done retroactively to his last game. Apparently Stubhub has tickets for this game listed at a price of under $1, lower bowl seats at $10. Wow if that's true.

It opens a thread up to discuss any potential lineup news and notes while we wait, such as the fact that Weber is in and Kaberle is likely out while Price gets the start.

With regard to the Gorges rumour that is floating around, it has already been debunked. Given that and the sensitive nature of the allegation, we will be deleting all discussions about it. Please do not bring it up in this or future threads. Thank you.

Our next instalment of the Prospect 3-Stars is up on the site. What really impressed me as I was putting this together was the amount of later draft picks on there. Of the nine players discussed, six were taken in the fourth round or later (or went undrafted in one of the cases). That isn't to say that the top players aren't playing well but it's nice to see some of the 'afterthought selections' standing out. http://www.habsworld.net/article.php?id=3024

There hasn't been any word about him or Bourque for that matter. From the sounds of it, neither of them are with the team at the moment.

Both players are rentals which would go against the longer-term impact Bergevin is supposedly looking for. As for Jones, he just came back from injury less than two weeks ago and only has played in a handful of games. They're probably waiting for him to play a bit more before deciding on his future. He's a player I think could be a reasonably priced acquisition though, a physical third liner with some offensive abilities.

Dietz had a goal and an assist but was -3 in a 9-5 loss to Calgary. Bozon had a goal and two helpers (+3) in a 6-0 win over Victoria. He is tied for 8th in WHL scoring (84 points in 65 games).

We're getting close to the point where the Bulldogs will need to make a decision on Tyler Murovich. He already has played 16 games and has sat a few since signing as well. As a result, a decision on his future probably will need to be made in the next week or so. Since he seems to have lost his regular role, I suspect they'll let him go.

Pierre LeBrun has some notes on what he thinks the Habs will be up to. Basically, they're likely looking for toughness, preferably not a rental, and Eller is a player that other teams have interest in but he believes Montreal will keep him. http://espn.go.com/blog/nhl/post/_/id/22544/rumblings-where-iginla-alfredsson-could-land

I suck at predictions lately. He was claimed by the Rangers; Tom Kostopoulos also was claimed by the Devils.

With Price really struggling in Montreal right now, it's slightly comforting to hear that Tokarski has a two game shutout streak going, Bulldogs win 2-0! http://theahl.com/stats/game-summary.php?game_id=1010709

Leblanc scores an empty netter on the powerplay to make it 2-0!

Boston loses in OT so the Habs hold onto 1st for another day.

12 GA in the past 101:04 for Price. That will bring the GAA back up closer to his career numbers.

What happened to the attention to detail in the defensive zone? The Habs were running around in their own end with little regard for positioning (or coverage) for way too much of that game. Tomorrow's practice should get back to the basics.

Still 1-0 with a little over 6 minutes left in the 3rd.

Tenute scores with just over a minute left in the 2nd to make it 1-0 Bulldogs!

I think they have to go with the Pacioretty line. They've scored lots of key goals recently.