xXx..CK..xXx Posted February 4 Share Posted February 4 Looks like the Habs need to get on another winning streak so let’s get this thing going… Tonight’s matchup: Montreal Canadiens @ San Jose Sharks - Tuesday, February 4th @ 10:30PM EST - Shark Tank (SAP Center) San Jose Sharks Lineup Eklund - Celebrini - Toffoli* Zetterlund - Poturalski - Smith Graff - Kunin - Goodrow Grundstrom - White - Duehr Walman - Thrun Ferraro - Thompson Mukhamadullin - Liljegren Georgiev Vanecek Montreal Canadiens Lineup Caufield - Suzuki - Slafkovský Newhook - Dach - Laine Anderson - Dvorak - Gallagher Pezzetta - Evans - Armia Matheson - Hutson Xhekaj - Carrier Struble - Savard Montembeault Dobeš Storyline Had the date been late October, 2021, one of the main storylines for the Habs heading into the Shark Tank would have been the mere fact that they had yet to find a victory in the building in the 21st century, having not done so since 1999. Since October 28th, 2021, however, the Habs have managed to come out victorious in 3 of their last 5 appearances in the building. Heading into today’s matchup, the Habs enter the game as the favorites to win. San Jose is suffering from many key injuries, including one of the Habs’ former players Tyler Toffoli who enters the contest as a game time decision. Will he enter the game in order to face his former team? The sharks have also recently traded their leading scorer in Granlund. Finally, their back end leaves much to be desired and Georgiev has not exactly been having a stellar season. The opportunity is there for the taking and the Habs should be desperate for a win. The Habs enter the contest with a couple of key injuries themselves but must learn to play with the lineup they have. After Dach and Laine were benched for much of the 3rd period last game, they need to come out and play their best today. Confidence is crucial with this bunch so let’s hope things begin to click again starting tonight. Another thing to note is that Montembeault gets the start tonight. More often than not, Dobeš has started the first of the two games in back to backs. Although I expect Dobeš to start tomorrow, this does theoretically give the Habs the opportunity to have their starting goalie both legs of the back to back. If Dobeš does play, however, he faces the tougher team and will play in front of a potentially tired group in their second leg of a back to back. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GHT120 Posted February 4 Share Posted February 4 I was thinking earlier that an interesting poll might be: How many posts are made to the thread between the opening face-off and the end of the game: 0-2 3-5 6-8 9-11 12 or more Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JoeLassister Posted February 4 Share Posted February 4 Great GDT Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Butterface Posted February 4 Share Posted February 4 Game Day Thread game is strong. I’m voting for Hutson who will want a big night versus Cellibrini. Really frustrated and confused at goalie choice. Much prefer Dobes here and Monty versus Kings…. Same weird choice with Detroit game Jan 23rd. They want to give the weaker teams to Montembeault ? He gets Anaheim and SJ ? This is their strategy for points ? Give Monty the soft diet ? Theres been a lot of trade chatter circulating about the Habs lately. I’m not saying all of it comes from the most reliable sources, but it’s chatter nonetheless. I expect it will only intensify as we continue to drop more games leading up to the trade deadline. I wish we could go on another 13-3 run, but I think the absence of Guhle, who has been key in stabilizing our defense, is a hurdle we’re struggling to overcome - no obvious NHL-ready depth yet… Here are a few gathered excerpts… https://thehockeywriters.com/nhl-rumors-marchand-bruins-flyers-canadiens-rantanen-2-4-2025/ Canadiens Losing Streak Could Mean They Become Sellers Jean-Charles Lajoie of TVA Sports, “Last week, I suggested that Kent Hughes and Jeff Gorton must sell some of their assets to the highest bidder at the end of their contracts.” He added, “Sunday’s defeat in Anaheim and especially the manner of the loss convinced me: the Canadiens must sell their elements with market value.” Lavoie mentioned that Jake Evans should be near the top of the list of tradeable assets. “He is the element that can bring in the most money between now and the trade deadline,” argues Lajoie. He adds that Joel Armia’s value is certainly less than Evans’, “but perhaps not as much as one might imagine.” Christian Dvorak is another forward who should be traded and the best return is likely a third-round pick. He also says Michael Pezzetta will not be back next season. https://nhlrumors.com/nhl-rumors-montreal-canadiens-continue-to-take-calls-on-wanted-players/2025/02/04/ Dave Pagnotta was interviewed on TSN690… So guys like (David) Savard And (Jake) Evans and (Christian) Dvorak, (Joel) Armia, they’re going to continue to listen, and if the right offers present themselves, they’ll take a serious look. Kind of the same where they were a month ago, when they were stuck in the middle of that hot street. So could they add? Yes, if it fits their plan overall. Could they sell? Yeah, same deal and again, if they do sell off pieces, and it includes kids, or in terms of prospects or draft picks. They’re going to look to compile those picks, package them up for a larger asset, be it another first-round pick, move two or three seconds and move into the first round in another position, or package those up and get NHL caliber guys in there mid-20s, like they did with (Kirby) Dach and (Alex) Newhook and then ultimately, (Patrik) Laine as well.” https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/montreal-canadiens/latest-news/montreal-should-shop-david-savard Savard can still play 15-22 minutes a game and if the Canadiens are smart, they try and include him in a hockey trade. If you put him in a deal, with a C prospect, they might be able to get a conditional second or third round pick (make that for 2026 since they have 1 adding another is good for that draft) and a B prospect. Preferably, someone close to playing in the NHL. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DON Posted February 4 Share Posted February 4 3 hours ago, GHT120 said: I was thinking earlier that an interesting poll might be: How many posts are made to the thread between the opening face-off and the end of the game: Kinda guessing many easterners will miss the end of this one. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Prime Minister Koivu Posted February 4 Share Posted February 4 2 minutes ago, DON said: Kinda guessing many easterners will miss the end of this one. Yeah I’ll only watch the first period then head to bed and it will be 11:30. Same with Wednesday night too 😞 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tomh009 Posted February 4 Share Posted February 4 43 minutes ago, DON said: Kinda guessing many easterners will miss the end of this one. I might be able to catch to opening puck drop. 😂 😂 😂 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GHT120 Posted February 5 Share Posted February 5 54 minutes ago, DON said: Kinda guessing many easterners will miss the end of this one. I've set the PVR to record "Canadiens Express" on RDS ... don't plan to watch the game live Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DON Posted February 5 Share Posted February 5 2 hours ago, GHT120 said: I've set the PVR to record "Canadiens Express" on RDS ... don't plan to watch the game live I have to watch alot of games PVRed, most Hab games start before even off work. I just hope game is entertaining enough to have lots of positive postable things. Hutson vs his Boston teammate Celebrini in fight for Calder! Maybe they really dont like each other, will square off & drop the gloves. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GHT120 Posted February 5 Share Posted February 5 2 minutes ago, DON said: I have to watch alot of games PVRed, most Hab games start before even off work. I just hope game is entertaining enough to have lots of positive postable things. Hutson vs his Boston teammate Celebrini in fight for Calder! Maybe they really dont like each other, will square off & drop the gloves. Canadians Express (1 hour) expedites/simplifies the "fast-forwarding" Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DON Posted February 5 Share Posted February 5 4 minutes ago, GHT120 said: Canadians Express (1 hour) expedites/simplifies the "fast-forwarding" I used to be able to watch those on RDS, years ago. But can simply fast forward through alot of media stuff and sometimes catch up live by 3rd period. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xXx..CK..xXx Posted February 5 Author Share Posted February 5 Celebrini versus Hutson is certainly another storyline heading into the game. It should be interesting to see the two rookies face off, and we play the Sharks once again at the end of February. Whatever brews tonight, may spill over into that matchup. Total points versus points per game. I included the top 10 in the first photo because: Heineman. He actually climbs up a few spots to 7th out of those 10 if it were points per game. Will Smith is also a shark and sits at 5th. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DON Posted February 5 Share Posted February 5 The Flame goalie Wolf also in the running 'they' say. SJ's 2 good looking young centres doing well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Prime Minister Koivu Posted February 5 Share Posted February 5 Interesting lines tonight Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Neech Posted February 5 Share Posted February 5 Celebrini is a stud. Wonder if he'll be on the Olympic team next year. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xXx..CK..xXx Posted February 5 Author Share Posted February 5 Celebrini makes it 1-0 Sharks. Roughly 6 minutes in. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xXx..CK..xXx Posted February 5 Author Share Posted February 5 At least Laine is still on the 1st power play unit. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Prime Minister Koivu Posted February 5 Share Posted February 5 Habs are skating well but we only have 5 damned shots late in the first. Habs are giving sharks lots of opportunity Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DON Posted February 5 Share Posted February 5 tough opponent. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xXx..CK..xXx Posted February 5 Author Share Posted February 5 Points update after the first: Celebrini 1 Toffoli 1 Eklund 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DON Posted February 5 Share Posted February 5 Slafkovski 6:52 0 shots Newhook 6:27 0 shots Caufield 6:12 0 shots BOOOooo! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Butterface Posted February 5 Share Posted February 5 Not a good period. Going to bed. Hopefully I’ll get surprised in morning. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DON Posted February 5 Share Posted February 5 winning faceoffs at least. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xXx..CK..xXx Posted February 5 Author Share Posted February 5 Early power play in the second. Let’s put one in. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xXx..CK..xXx Posted February 5 Author Share Posted February 5 Caufield does the deed. 🚨 1-1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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